Question: I’m thinking about taking niacin for my heart condition. What do you think?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Niacin can be a useful drug to improve low HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, it has a host of side effects that make its use and application problematic for some.
It also may raise glucose levels above desirable limits for certain individuals. Because of tolerance problems and side effects, together with some safety problems with sustained-release preparations, niacin has typically been replaced by other prescription medications most doctors recommend today.
It would be unwise to take niacin in prescription strengths without the approval, supervision, and guidance of your personal physician.
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