Articles
Niacin to improve cholesterol numbers
What else can be done to increase HDL?
Niacin is an important B vitamin that may raise levels of high-density lipoprotein — also called HDL — cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol, and lower triglycerides.
Content
What is niacin?
What impact does niacin have on cholesterol?
What side effects are associated with taking high doses of niacin?
Who might consider taking niacin?
What else can be done to increase HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides?
Niacin is an important B vitamin that may raise levels of high-density lipoprotein — also called HDL — cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol, and lower triglycerides.
Content
What is niacin?
What impact does niacin have on cholesterol?
What side effects are associated with taking high doses of niacin?
Who might consider taking niacin?
What else can be done to increase HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides?
Content
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Niacin is an important B vitamin that may raise levels of high-density lipoprotein — also called HDL — cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol, and lower triglycerides.
Niacin has long been used to lower triglycerides and to increase high-density lipoprotein, also called HDL, cholesterol. This "good" cholesterol helps remove low-density lipoprotein, also called LDL, cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol, from the bloodstream.
But niacin isn't for everyone. People who take niacin in addition to common cholesterol medicines see very little additional benefit. And niacin can cause uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous side effects.
