Nicotinic acid, or what is commonly known as vitamin B3 or Niacin, is one of the essential human nutrients needed by our body. It helps DNA repair, helps the body to produce natural steroid hormone and play an essential metabolic role in our body cells. People who do not get sufficient intake of niacin may suffer from slow metabolism, less tolerance to cold, diarrhea, dermatitis and dementia, among others. But other than being needed for our metabolism, niacin is also clinically documented as being able to promote healthy cholesterol. Niacin use is recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Cholesterol Education Program for people who could not maintain cholesterol level within normal limits by diet alone.
In certain dosage, niacin is able to block the breakdown process of fats in adipose tissue, reducing the amount of free fatty acids in the blood, thus decreasing secretion of very low density lipoprotein and cholesterol in the liver. But what type of niacin is good for certain health or medical condition? A study reported at an annual meeting of the AHA shows that, when added to statins; slow release niacin is far better than ezetimibe in reducing marker of atherosclerosis. In the past, many people avoided using niacin due to the skin flushing effect they experienced. This has been solved by the invention of Wax Matrix Extended Release Niacin. An extended release niacin works effectively while eliminating the unpleasant skin flushing that some people experience. If you are considering taking niacin, you may need to consult with your physician/doctor first. Use of niacin for maintaining healthy cholesterol level should always be supervised by your doctor or physician.
