How quickly niacin lowers cholesterol may depend on several factors. These include the person’s current health, whether they are taking any other medication, and the dosage of niacin.
Niacin, or vitamin B3, plays a role in converting food into energy by using fats and proteins. The body turns niacin into
Niacin may improve cholesterol at high doses – much higher than a person would typically get from their diet.
However, experts no longer recommend using niacin for this purpose. It was previously one of the treatment options for people who could not tolerate statins, but according to a
Niacin therapy may even be harmful. A
Furthermore, niacin can cause side effects at therapeutic doses. Taking
- itchy skin
- tingling
- burning or flushing of the skin, known as the “niacin flush”
Other adverse effects
- a rash
- indigestion
- nausea
- vomiting
- gastrointestinal disorders
- elevated uric acid in the blood
- increased homocysteine levels
- low blood pressure
- tingling, prickling, or burning sensations
Severe adverse reactions may include anaphylaxis, irregular heart rhythms, and liver toxicity. Niacin is also unsafe for certain groups, including people:
- with peptic ulcers
- with diabetes or metabolic syndrome
- with liver disease
- with arterial bleeding
- who are pregnant or chestfeeding
Because of these drawbacks, doctors may recommend other drugs such as statins, ezetimibe, or PCSK9 inhibitors before suggesting niacin therapy.
Do not try to self-treat high cholesterol with niacin supplements. People should always discuss ways of managing high cholesterol with a medical professional.