Q: I battle high cholesterol. Niacin makes me flush. I have found a flush-free niacin, inositol hexanicotinate. Is this really niacin and what have you heard about its effectiveness in helping to lower bad cholesterol?
A: To begin with, the regular use of niacin can be preceded by either diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or aspirin that will prevent the flushing aspect that is so difficult for patients to deal with. However, I strongly urge you to speak with your primary care physician before putting this into play because of an anti-coagulant issue that could present problems for some individuals.
Inositol hexanicotinate is used for a variety of conditions to include hypertension, insomnia, atherosclerosis, restless legs syndrome, poor circulation, Raynaud’s disease, high cholesterol levels, and more. It is a compound of niacin (vitamin B3) and inositol. This form of niacin is purported to reduce or prevent flushing, simply because it breaks down at a slower rate. Inositol hexanicotinate appears safe for most individuals, works to reduce cholesterol levels in some people but the results of tests are contradictory. It does not release the active form of niacin and can cause unwanted side effects in others, to include nausea, stomach upset, headache, hiccups, and indigestion. There appears to be some reports of possible liver damage in some patients and questions remain if it actually helps lower cholesterol levels.
Some patients are warned not to take the product if they have a history of kidney disorders, angina, diabetes, allergies, gout, hypotension, gallbladder disorders and more. The chronic use of inositol hexanicotinate might increase blood sugar levels and thus, decrease the effectiveness of diabetic medications. Therefore, individuals who choose to take it should have their sugar levels closely monitored. Further, it may also slow blood clotting so taking it with prescription medications to slow the clotting process could result in easy bruising and bleeding.
Because the product works to lower cholesterol levels in some individuals and not in others, I might opt for other methods to lower your readings such as a trial of the prescription Niaspan which is regulated and considered both safe and effective. Consider avoiding saturated fats in your daily diet. Substitute what you are using with olive or canola oil. Reduce your consumption of marbled or fatty beef and fill in with broiled fish or chicken. Fish is an excellent means of lowering cholesterol levels because of the omega 3 oils. Increase your dietary fiber by eating more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Sprinkle flax seed on your toast or cereal in the morning and nibble on walnuts or almonds when you get hungry. If these methods fail to work after a period of time, ask your physician what he or she would recommend as a natural remedy first prior to getting into a prescription medication.
Readers who would like related information can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Cholesterol” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Dr. Gott’s Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention thew title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
