The Best Time to Take Vitamin B3 for Cholesterol

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, can be taken in high doses to help improve blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, research suggests vitamin B3 should not be taken to improve cholesterol levels due to its safety and effectiveness, particularly when other effective treatments are available.

When to Take Vitamin B3 for the Best Results

In most cases, niacin (vitamin B3) supplementation is no longer recommended for improving cholesterol levels.

Vitamin B3 can effectively decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL, “bad” cholesterol), improve high-density lipoprotein (HDL, “good” cholesterol), and triglycerides.

However, research has shown that despite these cholesterol improvements, there was no decrease in the risk of cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack.

A healthcare provider may still order vitamin B3 for cholesterol management. This is generally reserved for patients who cannot tolerate statins, a common medication used to lower cholesterol levels.

For those who are prescribed vitamin B3 for cholesterol, the dose timing will depend on the dose amount and type. It may need to be taken with dinner or at bedtime with a low-fat snack.

Are There Side Effects From Using Vitamin B3 for Cholesterol?

The vitamin B3 dose that is used to lower cholesterol is very high and can result in several side effects, which may include:

• Skin flushing (seen in up to 71%)
• Headache
• Itching
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Abdominal pain

Vitamin B3 may not be safe for everyone. It is not recommended for people with the following conditions:

• Liver disease
• Increased liver enzyme levels
• Peptic ulcers
• Bleeding from the arteries

Another side effect that was seen with cholesterol treatment with vitamin B3 was an increased risk of diabetes or worsened diabetes.

Medications that combine vitamin B3 and a statin are no longer FDA-approved. These medications reduced heart attacks by a small amount but introduced a significant risk of infection, bleeding, and high blood sugar that led to hospitalization.

What Cholesterol Is and Why It Matters

Cholesterol is actually pretty crucial for your health, but too much can be detrimental.

When someone has too much cholesterol, it can form plaque on the walls of the arteries. This plaque build-up, known as atherosclerosis, can increase the risk of heart disease.

There are two types of cholesterol:

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL): the “good” type of cholesterol. HDL removes cholesterol and carries it to the liver.
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): the “bad” cholesterol. High levels of LDL can lead to build-up of cholesterol in the arteries.

Lifestyle Habits That Can Help Improve Cholesterol

Managing cholesterol levels is done differently based on a person’s age, health risks, and lifestyle changes.

The first step to improve cholesterol levels is to make lifestyle changes. These changes may include:

• Exercise: regular exercise for 30 minutes per day or 150 minutes per week.
• Weight management: losing weight, especially around the waist, can improve HDL levels.
• Healthy diet: reduce sugars, saturated fats, and high-fat foods. Incorporate more plant-based unsaturated fats and fiber-rich fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Stop smoking: cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke can reduce your good cholesterol (HDL) levels.
• Stop or limit alcohol consumption: alcohol may cause weight gain and lower HDL.

Your Medication Options for Lowering Cholesterol

There are several medication options to manage cholesterol levels. Below are some of the standard medication options:

• Statins: an effective first-line treatment for high cholesterol. It works by preventing cholesterol from forming.
• Ezetimibe: a non-statin medication that works by preventing cholesterol absorption in the intestine.
• PCSK9 inhibitors: an effective treatment to reduce LDL, used in people who are considered high-risk and for whom statins do not work.

With numerous cholesterol medication options available, a healthcare provider will guide treatment to make sure it’s safe and effective.