Niacin for cholesterol

Is niacin a statin? No. It is chemically different from the statin drugs. Niacin (also called nictonic acid and vitamin B3) is a key nutrient in many foods. There are some cholesterol-lowering benefits at niacin . In particular, it lowers LDL levels. A quick look at the molecular structure of niacin and lovastatin (a statin medication) shows how different they are:

Niacin	Lovastatin

A 2005 University of Washington study showed that niacin supplements slowed atherosclerosis in people with coronary artery disease even if they were already taking statins.

The company Kos Pharmaceuticals even makes a pill called Advicor, which is a combination of niacin and lovastatin. They also make Niaspan, a prescription from of extended-release Niacin.

Niacin also finds use among some people as a “smart drug” – it can allegedly improve your cognitive functions. There is little evidence about this, though.

Niacin is sold as prescription form and as vitamin pills. Dietary supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the same way that prescription niacin is and the amount of niacin in the pill can vary considerably. The name of niacin in the store may be nicotinic acid, Endur-Acin, Nia-Bid, Niac, Niacels, Niacor, Nico-400, Nicobid Tempules, Nicolar, Nicotinex Elixir, or Slo-Niacin.

However, it is best to check with a doctor before taking niacin along with a statin. Don’t try to do it on your own. Patients should be closely monitored by their doctor to avoid complications from niacin and particularly a combination with statins.

Use of niacin supplements with a statin may increase the risk of developing muscle problems and kidney failure.

Signs and symptoms of a niacin overdose include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Skin flushing
• Itching
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Severe liver damage (hepatoxicity)