Leading Cardiologist's Advice on Dietary Supplement Niacin for Heart Health

Reach for Nicotinic Acid and Kick the "Flush-Free"

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Nov 02, 2012, 12:34 ET

MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- When searching the pharmacy shelves, people looking for help to support healthy good cholesterol with a dietary supplement niacin may inaccurately associate the ingredient nicotinic acid with smoking cessation because it sounds like nicotine, warns leading cardiologist, Dr. Carl Lavie, Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention at the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, New Orleans, LA. In fact, nicotinic acid is the only form of dietary supplement niacin that is clinically proven to support good cholesterol, also known as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or HDL.

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"In my clinical experience, there is low awareness among patients that there are different forms of niacin used in supplements. In fact, some patients have asked me if nicotinic acid is some form of nicotine just because of the way it sounds," said Dr. Lavie. "This confusion at the shelf can cause people to fall prey to 'flush-free' labeling, leading them to purchase a dietary supplement niacin that, simply put, has not been clinically proven to support good cholesterol. I recommend Slo-Niacin^® because it contains nicotinic acid and is produced by Upsher-Smith, a trusted pharmaceutical manufacturer whose facility is routinely inspected by the FDA."

Although not all people will experience flushing with niacin, it may occur with the use of nicotinic acid, which causes temporary vasodilation or widening of the blood vessels in the skin. While "flush-free" dietary supplement niacins are available, they do not contain nicotinic acid and therefore are not clinically proven to support good cholesterol. A controlled-release dietary supplement niacin containing nicotinic acid can reduce the likelihood of flushing while still helping to maintain good cholesterol within the normal range.

"People need to do their research on dietary supplements and their manufacturers so that they are equipped to decipher supplement bottle labels and able to make informed choices when searching the pharmacy shelves," urges Dr. Lavie. "While a dietary supplement niacin that touts a 'flush-free' advantage may be eye-catching on the shelf, informed consumers should know that only a dietary supplement niacin containing the ingredient nicotinic acid is clinically proven to support good cholesterol."

For patients who worry about flushing with nicotinic acid, Dr. Lavie recommends Slo-Niacin^®Tablets because they utilize a unique polygel^® controlled-release system, not available in other dietary supplement niacin products. Slo-Niacin^® gradually delivers nicotinic acid into the body and is designed to reduce the likelihood of flushing commonly associated with immediate-release dietary supplement nicotinic acid.

"People should kick the 'flush-free' niacin if they are looking for a dietary supplement niacin that works to promote heart health," recommended Dr. Lavie.

Understanding Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body and is needed to help the body function normally. There are different types of cholesterol, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is called good cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is called bad cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is known as bad cholesterol because it accumulates on artery walls and forms a plaque-like substance. HDL cholesterol is 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. With HDL, higher numbers are better. A normal level of HDL is higher than 40 mg/dL.

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 high-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.

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.

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 July 12, 2012.
Chicago Tribune. 2012; June:20 http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-06-30/news/ct-met-supplement-inspections-20120630_1_dietary-supplements-inspections-american-herbal-products-association . Accessed July 17, 2012
American Heart Association Web site. http://www.heart.org. Accessed April 8, 2011.
NHLBI: National Cholesterol Education Program. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncep. Accessed May 13, 2011.
Mayo Clinic Web site. http://mayoclinic.com. Accessed July 17, 2012