Leading Cardiologist Provides Fast Facts on the Benefits of Slow Release Dietary Supplement Niacin

MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Nov. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Doctors often recommend dietary supplement niacin to help maintain good cholesterol, also known as HDL, in the normal range; however, there are so many options on pharmacy shelves, many of which are not clinically proven to support heart health. Dr. Carl Lavie, Medical Director, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention at the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, New Orleans, LA, has been recommending dietary supplement niacin for over two decades and suggests keeping in mind these fast facts while browsing the pharmacy aisle to help ensure the selection of a truly beneficial dietary supplement niacin for good cholesterol:

• Not all dietary supplement niacins are equal.  Look for a dietary supplement niacin containing nicotinic acid that has been clinically proven to support good cholesterol;
• Although enticing,  "flush-free" dietary supplement niacin (in the forms inositol hexaniacinate, inositol hexanicotinate, or nicotinamide) has not been clinically proven to support  good cholesterol;
• Not all people experience flushing with the use of a dietary supplement nicotinic acid;
• A slow-release system or controlled-release system, like the unique polygel^® controlled-release system utilized by Slo-Niacin^®, works to reduce the likelihood of flushing by gradually delivering niacin to the body.

"Dietary supplement niacins advertised as 'flush-free' can be appealing for the obvious reason, but informed consumers and cardiologists like me know that these supplements are often unable to support the claims they tout on their labels," said Lavie. "I simply cannot stress it enough: It is nicotinic acid, the form found in dietary supplement Slo-Niacin^®, that cardiologists turn to for support of good cholesterol levels within the normal range."

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 may cause temporary vasodilation or widening of blood vessels in the skin. To help reduce the likelihood of niacin flushing, Slo-Niacin^® Tablets have been designed with a unique polygel^® controlled-release system, not available in other dietary supplement niacin products, that ensures gradual and measured release of doctor-recommended nicotinic acid into the body and is intended to minimize flushing.

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.

Sources:
Data on File. Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.; 2011.
Slo-Niacin product information. http://www.slo-niacin.com/about-slo-niacin/directions-for-use. Upsher-Smith
Laboratories, 2011. Accessed Aug. 30, 2011.  
Mayo Clinic Web site. http://mayoclinic.com. Accessed Aug. 30, 2011.
NHLBI: National Cholesterol Education Program. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncep. Accessed Aug. 30, 2011
Harvard Health Letter 2007;July:7. http://www.health.harvard.edu. Accessed April 11, 2011.

SOURCE Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.