Vitamin B₃ - Niacin


               One of the cheapest and most effective cholesterol-lowering substances known, niacin plays an important role in many bodily fuctions.  Niacin lowers all of the blood markers that should be low including, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol), Lipoprotein A, Triglycerides (Fats in the blood), and fibrinogen ( a protein responsible for blood clots).  While lowering these blood markers, niacin also raises High Density Lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol), which is responsible for transporting LDL cholesterol from the blood vessels to the liver.

               Some people who take niacin for its cholesterol-lowering benefits experience a harmless side-effect known as a "Niacin Flush".  Niacin boosts circulation by dialating (opening up) the blood vessels.  This dialation causes blood to flow more rapidly and unobstructed throughout the body, including the skin.  Whe the blood flows to the surface of the body, it causes the symptoms associated with a niacin flush which includes: redness, itching, sweating, and sometimes nausea.  Symptoms are often described as being similar to a hot flash.  The niacin flush only lasts about ten to fifteen minutes and can be avoided with a non-flushing form of niacin.

               Niacin (vitamin B₃) is important to the nervous system. The body’s energy system also requires niacin for proper function.Each tablet contains 250 mg of non-flushing niacin (as niacinamide), which is 1,250 percent of the Daily Value. It is combined in a base of hops flowers and feverfew herb. For best results, take niacin in conjunction with other B vitamins.  Foods high in Niacin include: organ meats, peanuts, eggs, milk, poultry, whole grains, and legumes.