peregrine
07-28-2006, 04:49 PM
would be appreciated:
Cholesterol 241
triglycerides 75
HDL 83
LDL 143
I have genetically high cholesterol which I have been able to keep in check with flush Niacin. I stopped taking it because I was concerned about its affect on the liver and wanted to give it (my liver) a rest with the consequence that my numbers were not as attractive this year. My doc sees the 241 as a huge problem. I'm just trying some alternative natural supplements to see what happens.
Cholesterol 241
triglycerides 75
HDL 83
LDL 143
I have genetically high cholesterol which I have been able to keep in check with flush Niacin. I stopped taking it because I was concerned about its affect on the liver and wanted to give it (my liver) a rest with the consequence that my numbers were not as attractive this year. My doc sees the 241 as a huge problem. I'm just trying some alternative natural supplements to see what happens.
Sponsor
Uff-Da!
07-28-2006, 05:12 PM
How high a dose of niacin were you taking? Did a blood test show liver enzymes to be elevated?
I've been on Enduracin, a sustained-release niacin for about 2½ years, most of that time at 750 mg daily. It, together with some dietary changes, brought my TC down from 247 to 190, though my last test was 200. So far my liver enzymes show no elevation at all. I'm sure not everyone would have that same result, though. I'm just wondering if you have backed off from the niacin based upon a test or if you are just taking a precaution.
I know that my doctor gets a bit grumpy when she sees numbers similar to yours, but with a TC/HDL ratio of 2.9 I don't see that you have a lot to worry about unless you have other risk factors. Your trigs result was great, too.
I've been on Enduracin, a sustained-release niacin for about 2½ years, most of that time at 750 mg daily. It, together with some dietary changes, brought my TC down from 247 to 190, though my last test was 200. So far my liver enzymes show no elevation at all. I'm sure not everyone would have that same result, though. I'm just wondering if you have backed off from the niacin based upon a test or if you are just taking a precaution.
I know that my doctor gets a bit grumpy when she sees numbers similar to yours, but with a TC/HDL ratio of 2.9 I don't see that you have a lot to worry about unless you have other risk factors. Your trigs result was great, too.
elsie3205
07-28-2006, 05:27 PM
Wow, your numbers look great! With an HDL that high, in my opinion, you have absolutely nothing to worry about.
peregrine
07-28-2006, 05:38 PM
Hi,
I was taking 500 mg a day flush Niacin. I also have been eating low carb for 15 years and I think that definitley has helped.
No, I have not had the liver enzymes test, but I'm glad you mention it because I will definitely ask for that next blood panel. I just backed off as a precaution, as you indicated.
Thanks to those who responded. I feel heartened.
I was taking 500 mg a day flush Niacin. I also have been eating low carb for 15 years and I think that definitley has helped.
No, I have not had the liver enzymes test, but I'm glad you mention it because I will definitely ask for that next blood panel. I just backed off as a precaution, as you indicated.
Thanks to those who responded. I feel heartened.
Mark1e
07-28-2006, 07:20 PM
Cholesterol 241
triglycerides 75
HDL 83
LDL 143
If we look at the numbers that make up your total cholesterol, the only one that is out of line is your LDL. And at 143, it is only borderline high anyway. The TC/HDL ratio, which apparently is the best indicator of heart disease risk, is only 2.9. Anything under 4.5 is considered safe. So could your doctor be over-reacting?
Cheers,
Mark :)
triglycerides 75
HDL 83
LDL 143
If we look at the numbers that make up your total cholesterol, the only one that is out of line is your LDL. And at 143, it is only borderline high anyway. The TC/HDL ratio, which apparently is the best indicator of heart disease risk, is only 2.9. Anything under 4.5 is considered safe. So could your doctor be over-reacting?
Cheers,
Mark :)
janeslk
07-28-2006, 11:48 PM
Anything under 4.5 is considered safe. So could your doctor be over-reacting?
Cheers,
Mark :)
Yes, or maybe the doctor just had a lunch or dinner provided by a pharma rep. I was reading on another board about the huge amount of money spent by drug companies to wine and dine doctors.
Jane
Cheers,
Mark :)
Yes, or maybe the doctor just had a lunch or dinner provided by a pharma rep. I was reading on another board about the huge amount of money spent by drug companies to wine and dine doctors.
Jane
ARIZONA73
07-29-2006, 12:01 AM
Those numbers look pretty good to me. The only "huge" problem I see is the doctor!
peregrine
07-29-2006, 07:28 AM
If we look at the numbers that make up your total cholesterol, the only one that is out of line is your LDL. And at 143, it is only borderline high anyway. The TC/HDL ratio, which apparently is the best indicator of heart disease risk, is only 2.9. Anything under 4.5 is considered safe. So could your doctor be over-reacting?
Absolutely!
Absolutely!
Lenin
07-29-2006, 08:17 AM
peregrine,
I'd do what I could to lower that LDL somewhat...like below 130. Some fat, especially saturated fat restriction should do the trick.
But the TC number is high with a large contribution from your HDL and that's never a problem.
Go back on the niacin, especially if you can take that much of the straight stuff it without flushing.
Next blood test make sure to have your ALT and AST tested. A good doctor would have done that as soon as he heard you were taking niacin.
I'd do what I could to lower that LDL somewhat...like below 130. Some fat, especially saturated fat restriction should do the trick.
But the TC number is high with a large contribution from your HDL and that's never a problem.
Go back on the niacin, especially if you can take that much of the straight stuff it without flushing.
Next blood test make sure to have your ALT and AST tested. A good doctor would have done that as soon as he heard you were taking niacin.
peregrine
07-29-2006, 09:55 AM
peregrine,
I'd do what I could to lower that LDL somewhat...like below 130. Some fat, especially saturated fat restriction should do the trick.
But the TC number is high with a large contribution from your HDL and that's never a problem.
Go back on the niacin, especially if you can take that much of the straight stuff it without flushing.
Next blood test make sure to have your ALT and AST tested. A good doctor would have done that as soon as he heard you were taking niacin.
Thanks for the feedback,
Right now I'm finishing my Resveratrol but will go back to the Niacin after that and also have the blood work done next year. The flushing Niacin shouldn't be a problem if you start very slowly and work up to the desired dose. You will have some minor flushing to start but eventually little to none. This is how I was advised to use it by a nurse practitioner.
I'd do what I could to lower that LDL somewhat...like below 130. Some fat, especially saturated fat restriction should do the trick.
But the TC number is high with a large contribution from your HDL and that's never a problem.
Go back on the niacin, especially if you can take that much of the straight stuff it without flushing.
Next blood test make sure to have your ALT and AST tested. A good doctor would have done that as soon as he heard you were taking niacin.
Thanks for the feedback,
Right now I'm finishing my Resveratrol but will go back to the Niacin after that and also have the blood work done next year. The flushing Niacin shouldn't be a problem if you start very slowly and work up to the desired dose. You will have some minor flushing to start but eventually little to none. This is how I was advised to use it by a nurse practitioner.
ARIZONA73
07-29-2006, 11:13 AM
peregrine,
If you have only been taking 500mg niacin, then I really don't think you have anything to worry about.
If you have only been taking 500mg niacin, then I really don't think you have anything to worry about.
peregrine
07-29-2006, 11:30 AM
peregrine,
If you have only been taking 500mg niacin, then I really don't think you have anything to worry about.
You mean in terms of my liver enzymes? I use to take more Niacin in the beginning years, but as my numbers started looking better I decreased the amount to what I thought would be a "maintenance dose" for me.
If you have only been taking 500mg niacin, then I really don't think you have anything to worry about.
You mean in terms of my liver enzymes? I use to take more Niacin in the beginning years, but as my numbers started looking better I decreased the amount to what I thought would be a "maintenance dose" for me.
LauraBow
07-29-2006, 02:21 PM
I read that diabetics shouldn't take niacin. Is this true? If it is, does it matter that I am well controlled with my readings in the normal range all the time? I considered taking niacin till I read this.
ARIZONA73
07-29-2006, 05:24 PM
You mean in terms of my liver enzymes? I use to take more Niacin in the beginning years, but as my numbers started looking better I decreased the amount to what I thought would be a "maintenance dose" for me.
Yes, 500mg of niacin is not a high dose. In fact, I believe that most people can safely take up to 1000mg, perhaps even more if you are taking flush-free niacin, which is even easier on the liver. But, if you are concerned about the possibility of elevated liver enzymes, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to get it checked once in a while.
Yes, 500mg of niacin is not a high dose. In fact, I believe that most people can safely take up to 1000mg, perhaps even more if you are taking flush-free niacin, which is even easier on the liver. But, if you are concerned about the possibility of elevated liver enzymes, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to get it checked once in a while.
ARIZONA73
07-29-2006, 05:32 PM
I read that diabetics shouldn't take niacin. Is this true? If it is, does it matter that I am well controlled with my readings in the normal range all the time? I considered taking niacin till I read this.
It's possible that SOME diabetics may experience slight elevations in their blood sugar from niacin, but not everyone. However, the flush-free form of niacin (inositol hexanicotinate) is both easier on the liver and tends not to raise blood sugar. My father has been diabetic for 40 years, and he is taking flush-free niacin. It has had no effect on his blood sugar levels.
It's possible that SOME diabetics may experience slight elevations in their blood sugar from niacin, but not everyone. However, the flush-free form of niacin (inositol hexanicotinate) is both easier on the liver and tends not to raise blood sugar. My father has been diabetic for 40 years, and he is taking flush-free niacin. It has had no effect on his blood sugar levels.
peregrine
07-29-2006, 05:46 PM
It's possible that SOME diabetics may experience slight elevations in their blood sugar from niacin, but not everyone. However, the flush-free form of niacin (inositol hexanicotinate) is both easier on the liver and tends not to raise blood sugar. My father has been diabetic for 40 years, and he is taking flush-free niacin. It has had no effect on his blood sugar levels.
Arizona,
My understanding is that the flush-free is not as effective for lowering cholesterol as the flush Niacin, same with the time-released.
Arizona,
My understanding is that the flush-free is not as effective for lowering cholesterol as the flush Niacin, same with the time-released.
LauraBow
07-29-2006, 05:57 PM
Arizona, thanks. it is helpful to know that your father has had no problem with it. I did find an article saying that the extended release niacin was recommended for diabetics, but that stuff is expensive.
ARIZONA73
07-29-2006, 09:28 PM
Arizona,
My understanding is that the flush-free is not as effective for lowering cholesterol as the flush Niacin, same with the time-released.
Well, that may be true, even though it's reputed to be at least equally effective. I think that with the flush-free niacin, higher doses are generally required, which may explain why some people have had little or no effect. In fact, with the flush-free form, I've read where dosage recommendations ranged anywhere from 1500-3000mg.
My understanding is that the flush-free is not as effective for lowering cholesterol as the flush Niacin, same with the time-released.
Well, that may be true, even though it's reputed to be at least equally effective. I think that with the flush-free niacin, higher doses are generally required, which may explain why some people have had little or no effect. In fact, with the flush-free form, I've read where dosage recommendations ranged anywhere from 1500-3000mg.
ARIZONA73
07-29-2006, 09:35 PM
Arizona, thanks. it is helpful to know that your father has had no problem with it. I did find an article saying that the extended release niacin was recommended for diabetics, but that stuff is expensive.
Extended-release niacin would probably be the best choice for lowering a high LDL.
Extended-release niacin would probably be the best choice for lowering a high LDL.
Lenin
07-30-2006, 08:59 AM
In fact, with the flush-free form, I've read where dosage recommendations ranged anywhere from 1500-3000mg.
ARIZONA,
I may be wrong here, but I VAGUELY remember reading that one should be careful to use a much lower dose of any time-release niacin preparation becasue the same dose of the slow release can do far more damage than the quick acting nicotinic acid at the same dose.
Like I said though, I'm vague on this, and my head is still fuzzy waiting for my caffeine to kick in, but I thought I'd toss it into the pot!:)
ARIZONA,
I may be wrong here, but I VAGUELY remember reading that one should be careful to use a much lower dose of any time-release niacin preparation becasue the same dose of the slow release can do far more damage than the quick acting nicotinic acid at the same dose.
Like I said though, I'm vague on this, and my head is still fuzzy waiting for my caffeine to kick in, but I thought I'd toss it into the pot!:)
ARIZONA73
07-30-2006, 09:46 AM
ARIZONA,
I may be wrong here, but I VAGUELY remember reading that one should be careful to use a much lower dose of any time-release niacin preparation becasue the same dose of the slow release can do far more damage than the quick acting nicotinic acid at the same dose.
Like I said though, I'm vague on this, and my head is still fuzzy waiting for my caffeine to kick in, but I thought I'd toss it into the pot!:)
I know that this is true for timed-release forms of nicotinic acid, but that the flush-free form (inositol hexanicotinate) does not carry the same risk. At least, that's my understanding. Atkins made mention of this in one of his books, in which he stated: "Timed-release formulations of niacin still allow the development of liver toxicity, which is why I prefer the inositol hexanicotinate. Unlike timed-release forms of niacin, timed-release inositol hexanicotinate is safe."
As far as precautions are concerned, Atkins stated the following:
"My one real precaution with either inositol hexanicotinate or niacin is just the flip side of its therapeutic effect. If you are taking vasodilating drugs, be aware that these vitamins will enhance the medications' effect. Rather than stopping the drug, first talk to your doctor and announce your desire to reduce or eliminate your pharmaceutical needs through the nutrient. If you're on cholesterol-lowering medications, the same holds true."
I may be wrong here, but I VAGUELY remember reading that one should be careful to use a much lower dose of any time-release niacin preparation becasue the same dose of the slow release can do far more damage than the quick acting nicotinic acid at the same dose.
Like I said though, I'm vague on this, and my head is still fuzzy waiting for my caffeine to kick in, but I thought I'd toss it into the pot!:)
I know that this is true for timed-release forms of nicotinic acid, but that the flush-free form (inositol hexanicotinate) does not carry the same risk. At least, that's my understanding. Atkins made mention of this in one of his books, in which he stated: "Timed-release formulations of niacin still allow the development of liver toxicity, which is why I prefer the inositol hexanicotinate. Unlike timed-release forms of niacin, timed-release inositol hexanicotinate is safe."
As far as precautions are concerned, Atkins stated the following:
"My one real precaution with either inositol hexanicotinate or niacin is just the flip side of its therapeutic effect. If you are taking vasodilating drugs, be aware that these vitamins will enhance the medications' effect. Rather than stopping the drug, first talk to your doctor and announce your desire to reduce or eliminate your pharmaceutical needs through the nutrient. If you're on cholesterol-lowering medications, the same holds true."
Zimm
07-31-2006, 12:47 AM
Not to appear dumb,but I have been reading the posts and wondered how does one reach the figure for the ratio of cholestral?