American Heart Month Facts: Dietary Supplement Niacin Has a 20-Year History of Helping to Maintain Good Cholesterol within a Healthy Range

MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Feb. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- February is American Heart Month, a month dedicated to spreading awareness and accurate information about healthy heart choices. For many, maintaining good cholesterol (HDL) within the normal range is an important factor in heart health. There are many factors that can impact cholesterol, including genetics and lifestyle habits, such as obesity or poor diet. In addition to smart eating and regular exercise, a cardiologist may recommend a dietary supplement niacin containing nicotinic acid to help maintain good cholesterol within the normal range. Niacin, a naturally occurring B vitamin, has been used since the 1950s to support healthy, good cholesterol (HDL) and maintains continued support from the cardiology community. For those looking to maintain good cholesterol and support heart health, Dr. Lavie, Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention at the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, New Orleans, LA, recommends dietary supplement niacin in the form of nicotinic acid, the only form of dietary supplement niacin clinically proven to support good cholesterol.   

"As a cardiologist, it is my job to educate my patients about heart health and to recommend ways to help maintain good cholesterol, HDL, within the normal range," said Dr. Lavie. "Like many cardiologists, I have been recommending dietary supplement niacin to cholesterol conscious patients for more than 20 years. For patients looking to maintain good cholesterol, I confidently recommend Slo-Niacin^®, a dietary supplement niacin with nicotinic acid, which is clinically proven to support good cholesterol," added Dr. Lavie. "While 'flush-free' dietary supplement niacins may sound appealing, people who are empowered to support their heart health know to always read the label and know to only purchase a dietary supplement niacin containing nicotinic acid, like Slo-Niacin®, to help maintain good cholesterol."

About Flushing

When taking dietary supplement niacin in the form of nicotinic acid, some people, but not all, may experience a side effect called niacin flushing. Flushing is a temporary vasodilation or widening of blood vessels in the skin. Slo-Niacin^® Tablets utilize a unique polygel^® controlled-release system that ensures the gradual and measured release of the doctor-recommended form of niacin, nicotinic acid, and is designed to minimize flushing that is sometimes associated with niacin use.

About Slo-Niacin^® Tablets

At approximately $16 for one-hundred 500 mg tablets, Slo-Niacin^® Tablets are an affordable option to help support a healthy heart. To support individual heart health needs, Slo-Niacin^® Tablets are available in three strengths (250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg).

Slo-Niacin^® Tablets are manufactured by Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc., a trusted manufacturer of quality dietary supplement and prescription products since 1919. Slo-Niacin^® Tablets are conveniently available at pharmacies and other retailers nationwide, without a prescription. For more information, coupons, and a store locator, visit www.Slo-Niacin.com.

About Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.

Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. is a privately held, U.S.-based company devoted to improving health and advancing wellness since 1919.  Upsher-Smith demonstrates its commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of its customers through developing, producing and marketing consumer and prescription products.  In addition to its strong heritage in generics, Upsher-Smith's branded businesses focus on women's health, dermatology and CNS therapeutic areas.  For additional information, visit http://www.upsher-smith.com.

Dr. Lavie consults on behalf of Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.

Sources:

Data on File. Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.; 2012.
Slo-Niacin product information. http://www.slo-niacin.com/about-slo-niacin/directions-for-use. Upsher-Smith Laboratories, 2011. Accessed January 9, 2013.
Mayo Clinic Web site. http://mayoclinic.com. Accessed January 9, 2013.
NHLBI: National Cholesterol Education Program. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncep. Accessed January 9, 2013.
Harvard Health Lett. 2007;July:7. http://www.health.harvard.edu. Accessed January 9, 2013.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology. http://content.onlinejacc.org/ Accessed on January 8, 2013.

SOURCE Upsher-Smith