Leading Cardiologist Dispels the Myths about Dietary Supplement Niacin

MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Dec. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Maintaining high-density lipoprotein (HDL) within the normal range is an important factor in maintaining heart health. HDL cholesterol is also known as "good cholesterol" because it is thought to help move cholesterol out of the arteries and into the liver so the body can get rid of it. Nicotinic acid is a type of B vitamin that occurs naturally and is clinically proven to support HDL, but due to the nature of its name, consumers in need of heart health support may incorrectly associate nicotinic acid with nicotine, the addictive ingredient in cigarettes. What health-minded consumers need to know is that nicotinic acid is not nicotine, and in fact, is the only form of dietary supplement niacin clinically proven to support healthy good cholesterol.

"Maintaining heart health is critical to supporting overall health and there should never be confusion about which dietary supplement niacins are actually beneficial for supporting good cholesterol," said Dr. Lavie, Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention at the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, New Orleans, LA. "Many of my patients don't know that the only form of dietary supplement niacin clinically proven to support healthy good cholesterol is nicotinic acid and because it sounds similar to the word 'nicotine' they are confused and may reach for niacin labeled 'flush-free' at the pharmacy."

Dietary supplement niacins advertised to be "flush-free" contain inositol hexaniacinate, inositol hexanicotinate, or nicotinamide but often do not contain the key ingredient nicotinic acid.  Dietary supplement niacins come in many forms but only supplements containing nicotinic acid are clinically proven to support good cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (also known as HDL).  A dietary supplement niacin that gradually delivers nicotinic acid to the body, like the unique polygel^® controlled-release system utilized by Slo-Niacin^®, is designed to minimize the symptoms of flushing. Slo-Niacin^® provides the doctor-recommended form of niacin, nicotinic acid, to help support good cholesterol while reducing the likelihood of flushing.

"I have been recommending dietary supplement niacin in the form of nicotinic acid in my clinic for heart health support for more than two decades," commented Dr. Lavie. "Like many of my colleagues, I recommend Slo-Niacin^® because it contains nicotinic acid, the only form of dietary supplement niacin with the clinical support to back its heart health claims. I prefer Slo-Niacin^® for my patients because I trust that the nicotinic acid will help to maintain good cholesterol levels and my patients have few issues incorporating Slo-Niacin^® into their routine because the unique polygel^® controlled-release system is designed to reduce the likelihood of niacin flushing," added Lavie.     

About Flushing

When taking dietary supplement niacin, some people, but not all, may experience a side effect called niacin flushing. Flushing may occur with the use of nicotinic acid, which causes 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 doctor-recommended nicotinic acid and is designed to minimize flushing associated with niacin use.

About Niacin and Nicotinic Acid

Niacin is a B vitamin that occurs naturally and aids in the function of the digestive system, skin, and nervous system and can help maintain good cholesterol within the normal range. Nicotinic acid, a form of niacin, has been used since the 1950s to support healthy good cholesterol.

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.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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 November. 29, 2012.  
Mayo Clinic Web site. http://mayoclinic.com. Accessed Nov. 29, 2012.
NHLBI: National Cholesterol Education Program. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncep. Accessed Nov. 29, 2012
Harvard Health Lett. 2007;July:7. http://www.health.harvard.edu. Accessed Nov 29, 2012.

SOURCE Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.