9 Health Benefits Of Nicotinic Acid
1. Lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
Since the 1950s, Nicotinic acid has been used to treat high cholesterol.
In fact, it can reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol levels by 5–20%.
However, due to the possible side effects of Nicotinic acid, it is not the main treatment for high cholesterol.
Instead, it is mainly used as a cholesterol-lowering treatment for people who cannot tolerate statins.
2. Increased HDL cholesterol
In addition to lowering the “bad” low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, Nicotinic acid can also increase the “good” high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Studies have shown that Nicotinic acid can increase high-density lipoprotein levels by 15–35%.
3. Lower triglycerides
Nicotinic acid can also reduce triglycerides by 20–50%.
It does this by preventing the activity of an enzyme involved in triglyceride synthesis.
Therefore, this reduces the production of low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL).
The therapeutic dose requires cholesterol and triglyceride levels to achieve these effects.
4. May help prevent heart disease
The effect of Nicotinic acid on cholesterol may help prevent heart disease-but the latest research shows another mechanism by which Nicotinic acid is beneficial to the heart.
It can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are related to atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis.
Some studies have shown that Nicotinic acid therapy — used alone or in combination with statins — can help reduce the risk of heart disease-related health problems.
However, the results were mixed.
A recent study concluded that Nicotinic acid therapy does not significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from heart disease in heart patients or high-risk groups.
5. May help treat type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your body attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Studies have shown that Nicotinic acid helps protect these cells and may even reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes in high-risk children.
However, for patients with type 2 diabetes, the role of Nicotinic acid is more complicated.
On the one hand, it can help reduce the high cholesterol levels that often occur in patients with type 2 diabetes.
On the other hand, it has the potential to increase blood sugar levels.
Therefore, diabetic patients taking Nicotinic acid to treat high cholesterol also need to carefully monitor their blood sugar.
6. Enhance brain function
Your brain needs nicotinic acid-as part of the coenzymes NAD and NADP-to get energy and work properly.
In fact, brain fog and even mental symptoms are related to Nicotinic acid deficiency.
Certain types of schizophrenia can be treated with Nicotinic acid because it helps eliminate the damage to brain cells caused by Nicotinic acid deficiency.
Preliminary research shows that it can also help patients with Alzheimer’s keep their brains healthy. However, the results are mixed.
7. Improve skin function
Nicotinic acid helps protect skin cells from sun damage, whether taken orally or as a lotion.
Recent studies have shown that it may also help prevent certain types of skin cancer.
A study found that taking 500 mg of nicotinamide twice a day can reduce the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer in high-risk groups.
8. Can the symptoms of arthritis be reduced?
In a preliminary study, Nicotinic acid helped to relieve some symptoms of osteoarthritis, improve joint flexibility, and reduce the need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Another study of laboratory mice found that vitamin injections can reduce inflammation associated with arthritis.
Although this is promising, more research is needed.
9. Treat pellagra
Severe Nicotinic acid deficiency can cause pellagra.
Therefore, a Nicotinic acid supplement is the main method to treat pellagra.
Nicotinic acid deficiency is rare in industrialized countries. However, it can also occur at the same time as other diseases, such as alcoholism, anorexia, or Hartnapp disease.
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