"Flush-free niacin": dietary supplement may be "benefit-free".
This report describes a patient with coronary artery disease who was instructed to take extended-release niacin to treat low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and instead purchased "flush-free niacin" available at the pharmacy. There was no significant change in his lipids. Once the patient switched to extended-release niacin, the anticipated beneficial effects were seen. The article reviews the composition of flush-free niacin, its purported and real lipid effects, and warns against the effects of misleading marketing.
Norris
Robert B
RB
Pennsylvania Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA. rnorris@pennhearts.com
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005483:Flushing / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009525:Niacin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018570:Risk Assessment
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D009525:Niacin