Niacin, a member of the B complex vitamin
family, is the only "drug" proven to reduce mortality from elevated
cholesterol levels. The Coronary Drug Project,* an extensive study of
cholesterol-lowering drugs, found that niacin was the only “drug” that
actually reduced mortality. (Niacin is a “B” vitamin but was tested
head-to-head with drugs in the study). Follow-up studies showed that the
niacin-treated group had an 11% lower death rate years after niacin
therapy was discontinued, but the cholesterol-lowering drug group had an
increased death rate. (Example: the Clofibrate group had a 36%
higher death rate).
Niacin compares favorably to the “statin” drugs but with an overall
better safety profile. Conclusion of most researchers: niacin
should be the first “drug” of choice for treating high cholesterol.
Our “No-Flush” inositol hexanicotinate form avoids the uncomfortable
but harmless “flush” that can be experienced with high dose niacin
therapy.
Be sure to tell your doctor that you wish to use, or are using, niacin
therapy. As with other cholesterol-lowering drug therapy, liver enzymes
should be monitored every three months for the first six months of
therapy.
NO-FLUSH NIACIN
(Inositol Hexanicotinate)
Suggested dose: 1 cap, 3 times per day for two weeks,
then increase to 2 caps, 3 times per day thereafter. Take with meals.
Each (one) capsule contains:
Niacin (as inositol hexanicotinate) ...................... 400 mg
Inositol (as inositol hexanicotinate).......................100 mg
* “Fifteen Year Mortality in Coronary Drug Project Patients:
Long-Term Benefit with Niacin,” J Am Coll Cardiol 8 (1986):1245-55.
