Nicotinic acid or niacin is a water-soluble B vitamin, that when taken in high doses can significantly aid in lowering cholesterol. Nicotinic acid does not require prescription. However, to prevent serious side effects that can be triggered by this supplement, a professional must monitor the consumption of Nicotinic acid. This is especially true when Nicotinic acid is taken along with statin drugs like Lipitor or Crestor to reduce cholesterol.

Nicotinic acid inhibits the production of the VLDL (Very Low Density Lipoprotein), the bad cholesterol converted to LDL and sticks to artery walls. Nicotinic acid is aimed especially for people with low HDL cholesterol levels (the good cleansing cholesterol) as it reduces the triglyceride levels and raises the HDL cholesterol, thus lowers the LDL blood cholesterol.

Using Nicotinic acid, patients with high cholesterol levels had reported a reduction is LDL cholesterol by up 25%, a raise of HDL cholesterol by up to 35% and a reduction of triglyceride levels by up to 50%.

The combination of Nicotinic acid with statin drugs such as Lipitor and Crestor had resulted in an even more impressive reduction of LDL and increasing of HDL level. This combination, however, can lead to serious side effects if not monitored carefully by a health care provider. Taken with a medication to lower blood pressure. Nicotinic acid can lower blood pressure to extremely low levels, which can be dangerous to your health.

Among the side effects of Nicotinic acid to lower cholesterol are: sudden flushing in the face, itching, bloating, gout, diarrhea, nausea, high blood sugar and even severe liver problems. Patients who take Nicotinic acid are recommended to start the treatment with low doses and gradually increase the daily intake up to 3 grams a day.