Written on November 26, 2009 at 6:42 pm by Dr.Prahallad

HDL Fat and Niacin

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Niacin, a “B” group vitamin, widely distributed in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diet; is responsible for many vital metabolisms in the body. It is available as an insoluble compound in maize. Those primarily depending on maize as staple diet may suffer from its deficiency. In its deficiency people suffer from Pellagra; characterized by diarrhea, dermatitis and dementia. There may occur reddish to blackish dis-colorization if exposed parts of skin the of the extremities, called dermatitis. Dementia is marked by forgetfulness. If not treated adequately, death may ensue.

It has property of raising high density lipoproteins(HDL), the good fat in the body; which protects heart from atherosclerosis. This a good fat is responsible for mobilizing bad fat, the low density lipo-proteins(LDL). This requires administration of niacin in higher doses. To minimize the adverse reaction to highly dosed rapidly absorbed niacin, sustained released types are available. Combining niacin with ezitimibe, a lipid lowering drug has been seen to have synergistic action; say researchers.