Inositol Hexanicotinate Cholesterol

The disease of pellagra is caused by deficiency of niacin, which is also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid. This organic compound is water soluble and has the molecular formula C6H5NO2. It is a compound from carboxyl group derived from pyridine at the 3-position. Niacin is one of the essential nutrients needed for the human body. The occurrence of niacin deficiency is rare in developed countries but countries with issues such as poverty, malnutrition and chronic alcoholism have frequent occurrences of this deficiency. Pellagra is caused by high niacin deficiency. The symptoms of pellagra are diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia, hyper pigmentation, thickening of the skin, inflammation of the mouth and tongue, digestive disturbances, amnesia and delirium .If untreated this disease may eventually lead to death.

The dietary supplement of niacin is given as inositol hexanicotinate, which is also called "flush-free" or "no-flush" niacin .It is sold in units of 250, 500 or 1000 mg per capsule. Studies show that this type of niacin has lipid modifying functions. There was placebo-controlled trial conducted to check if 1500 mg per day of inositol hexanicotinate had any effect on cholesterol. After three months of trial it seems to show no improvement on cholesterol at all. Thus it is not yet confirmed as the effective treatment of dyslipidemia, which is the name for the problems caused by fluctuation in lipid amounts in the body.

The American Heart Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program have made a caution against taking the inositol hexanicotinate on one’s own discretion. It must be taken under the guidance of a physician and in appropriate amounts. Even though taking 1500 mg to 3000 mg per day would be effective on cholesterol, it may also cause some adverse effects. During the usage of these pills, the liver enzymes should be monitored regularly for any disruption.

The natural availability of niacin is in many foods like yeast, meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, and cereal grains. Niacin is also extracted from dietary tryptophan.

There are many grades available in niacin and they are,
Grade: A
Pellagra (niacin) caused by niacin deficiency.

Grade: A
Atherosclerosis (niacin) which may reduce atherosclerosis and decrease blood levels of cholesterol.
Grade: B
Prevention of a second heart attack (niacin) reduces the causes of heart diseases like cholesterol, lipoprotein and fibrinogen.

Grade: B
Alzheimer's disease/ cognitive decline can be prevented by dietary intake of niacin.

Grade: C
Osteoarthritis (niacin amide) can be treated with niacin.