Niacin,
one of the most stable of the B vitamins, is a
common name for two compounds: nicotinic acid
and nicotinamide. Niacin functions as a vitamin
(or cofactor) for nicotinamide adenine
dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis. NAD's is
involved in a wide variety of metabolic
functions within the body, and at least 200
enzymes are dependent on NAD. These enzymes are
used by the body for many vital functions,
including energy production within a cell,
cholesterol and carbohydrate metabolism, and the
production of hormones.
Studies show that
niacin can help maintain cardiovascular health
by promoting a healthy balance of HDL and LDL
cholesterol. Cholesterol is made in the liver,
but also comes from the diet. It is transported
in the blood by several different types of
lipoproteins. HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) and
LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) blood levels are
the most relevant to cardiovascular health. High
HDL levels are considered to be 'good' because
they carry cholesterol from cells in the body to
the liver where they can be broken down and
excreted. High LDL levels are considered 'bad'
because this indicates that transport from the
liver to the cells is saturated and may result
in cholesterol deposition to artery walls. A low
ratio of LDL:HDL is desirable for promoting
cardiovascular health.
The nicotinic acid form
of niacin prompts the liver to produce less of a
protein that carries triglycerides and LDL
cholesterol. As a result, blood levels of
triglycerides and LDL cholesterol are reduced.
Niacin also appears to increase HDL cholesterol
levels in the blood.
Many forms of niacin
can produce a flushing or redness of the skin
when consumed in large doses. However,
PhysioLogics' Niacin+ contains inositol
hexanicotinate – a complex form of nicotinic
acid molecules bound to inositol, which after
absorbed, slowly releases nicotinic acid into
the bloodstream. This form of niacin effectively
eliminates flushing or redness of the skin.
Niacin+ also contains
100 mg of a chelated form of vitamin C. Recent
research has demonstrated the importance of
vitamin C to cardiovascular health. Also
included is 66 mcg of chelated chromium. Studies
have shown this form of chromium is more readily
absorbed than chromium picolinate and other
forms of chromium. Working together with niacin,
chromium helps this formula produce its
beneficial effects.
Niacin+ can:
- Support healthy HDL
and LDl cholesterol ratios
- Offer the benefits
of niacin without the side effects of
flushing
- Provide an important
cofactor involved in cellular energy*
Niacin,
one of the most stable of the B vitamins, is a
common name for two compounds: nicotinic acid
and nicotinamide. Niacin functions as a vitamin
(or cofactor) for nicotinamide adenine
dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis. NAD's is
involved in a wide variety of metabolic
functions within the body, and at least 200
enzymes are dependent on NAD. These enzymes are
used by the body for many vital functions,
including energy production within a cell,
cholesterol and carbohydrate metabolism, and the
production of hormones.