Leading Expert's Heart Health Advice: Flush Your "Flush-Free" Dietary Supplement Niacin

MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Sept. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- People seeking support for healthy good cholesterol from a "flush-free" niacin supplement, prepare to be disappointed – and to make a return trip to your local pharmacy. According to leading cardiologist, Dr. Carl Lavie, medical director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention, John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, New Orleans, LA, "flush-free" niacin may not cause flushing, but it has not been clinically proven to support good cholesterol (HDL). It is niacin in the form of nicotinic acid, the key ingredient in Slo-Niacin®, that has been clinically proven to support good cholesterol.

"Many patients are lured in to buy niacin supplements labeled as 'flush-free' to avoid the possible side effect of flushing, but when it comes to supporting healthy good cholesterol, I cannot stress enough that 'flush-free' niacin has not been shown to have any significant effect on good cholesterol, also known as HDL, which is an important factor in overall heart health," said Dr. Lavie. "For those worried about flushing, I have recommended Slo-Niacin®, which utilizes a unique polygel® controlled-release system that gradually delivers nicotinic acid into the body, and is designed to reduce the likelihood of flushing. Studies have shown that taking one aspirin or ibuprofen before niacin consumption may also help to reduce flushing."

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.  

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.

SOURCE Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.