Skin flushing is one of the most unpleasant symptoms experienced by patients when they first start niacin therapy. Niacin, or nicotinic acid, is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (good cholesterol). Fortunately many patients develop a tolerance to niacin with time. Continue reading "Niacin Flush"

Niacin is the most effective intervention for raising HDL or good cholesterol. Not only will niacin (nicotinic acid) raise HDL cholesterol by 8-35% and lower LDL cholesterol by 10-25%, it has been shown to lower the risk of stroke and heart disease. Nicotinic acid should not be confused with another water soluble B vitamin, nicotinamide, which does not lower cholesterol levels. Continue reading "Niacin for cholesterol"