Leading Cardiologist's Heart Health Fact: Only Niacin in the Form of Nicotinic Acid Has Been Shown to Support Good Cholesterol

MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Oct. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- An array of dietary supplement niacins line the shelves of pharmacy retailers in three forms: immediate-release, controlled-release, and "flush-free." Leading cardiologist, Dr. Carl Lavie, medical director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention, John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, New Orleans, LA, stresses the importance of knowing that not all dietary supplement niacins are the same. Among the forms of dietary supplement niacin, including "flush-free" niacin, only nicotinic acid, the key ingredient in Slo-Niacin®, helps to maintain good cholesterol (HDL) within the normal range.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, go to: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52677-slo-niacin-nicotinic-acid-shown-to-support-good-cholesterol-heart-health

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111021/MM90065)

"It is important for people to know that not all dietary supplement niacins are alike or equal in their ability to support healthy good cholesterol. It is niacin in the form of nicotinic acid, like in Slo-Niacin®, that is clinically proven to support good cholesterol," said Dr. Lavie. "'Flush-free' niacin may not cause flushing, but it has not been clinically proven to support good cholesterol."

About Niacin and Good Cholesterol (HDL)

Niacin is a type of 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. Niacin, or nicotinic acid, has been used since the 1950s to support healthy good cholesterol. Niacin in the form of nicotinic acid is clinically proven to support good cholesterol (HDL). High-density lipoprotein (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. A normal level of HDL cholesterol in your blood is higher than 40 mg/dL.  

"Sometimes the term niacin is used to refer to both nicotinic acid and the closely related molecules inositol hexaniacinate, inositol hexanicotinate, or nicotinamide, which can be confusing to people when they peruse the pharmacy shelves for dietary supplement niacin," said Dr. Lavie. "I have had excellent success managing the heart health needs of my patients with Slo-Niacin®.  Slo-Niacin® is also appealing to my patients because it's economical and widely available at retailers nationwide."

About Slo-Niacin® Tablets

Slo-Niacin® Tablets utilize a unique polygel® controlled-release system, not available in other dietary supplement niacin products, that gradually delivers nicotinic acid into the body and is designed to reduce the likelihood of flushing commonly associated with immediate-release niacin use. 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.  Over the last 20 years, more than 12 million bottles have been sold. 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 rapidly growing pharmaceutical company that manufactures and markets both prescription and consumer products. Privately held since 1919, the company strives to recognize the unmet healthcare needs of our customers. Upsher-Smith prides itself in providing safe, effective, and economical therapies to the ever-changing healthcare environment. For additional information about Upsher-Smith, visit www.upsher-smith.com.

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

SOURCE Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.