Many B vitamins, B-3 (niacin), B-6, B-9 (folic acid) and B-12, have been associated for years with better heart health. These vitamins can become even more important if it is determined the role of homocysteine.
Homocysteine is an amino acid that is found naturally in the body. Elevated levels of homocysteine in blood are associated with increased risk of heart disease, cerebrovascular attack and peripheral vascular disease. A higher level of homocysteine in blood, the greater risk. Several vitamins, particularly B-6, B-12 and folic acid can reduce blood levels of homocysteine. What is not currently known, however, is whether taking these vitamins reduces the risk of heart disease.
Vitamin B-3 (niacin)
Sometimes doctors prescribe high doses of niacin to help people improve fat levels in their blood. Niacin can:
Lowering LDL cholesterol.
Raise HDL cholesterol or high density lipoprotein. HDL cholesterol is often called “good” cholesterol because it can remove cholesterol deposits from artery walls and can send it to the liver for disposal.
To achieve these effects, niacin should be taken in doses greater than 1,000 mg per day. At these doses, niacin is considered a medication, not a supplement, and should only be taken under the advice of your doctor. High doses of niacin can be toxic. Side effects include headaches, cramps, nausea, itching, liver damage, gastrointestinal disorders, high blood sugar and irregular heartbeat. Blood tests are needed to monitor the results of regular niacin. (more…)