Raising HDL with Niacin - High Cholesterol Message Board

Arizona77 · 08-19-2007, 05:55 PM

Hello everyone,

This is my first post in the forum but have a question in ways to raise my
HDL. As of my last test my
Total cholesterol was 137,
LDL 75
HDL 35

For cholesterol I currently take Red Yeast Rice 1,200 mg twice a day
Lecithin 1,200mg twice a day
Fish Oil 2,000mg twice a day

My diet is very healthy and I do cardio 30mins four days a week.

I was wounding if I could add 500mg Niacin to help boost my HDL?

Also if I should add Niacin I heard time released can be harsh on your liver?

I am not sure if I can take Niacin as I am in Red Yeast rice being a natural stain?

Just want to boost my HDL before I get checked six months from now.

Thank you all in advanced

ARIZONA73 · 08-19-2007, 06:40 PM

Hello Arizona77,

I don't know why you are even bothering with the red yeast rice. Your total cholesterol is not even close to being high. In fact, it's rather low. However, I do agree that you should try to raise the HDL. Niacin should help. I know it has helped me. The best form of niacin to use for raising HDL is the immediate-release form, not the time-release. Plus, it's easier on the liver. Try taking 250mg four times a day, for a total of 1000mg. However, you may want to start with a lower dose if you have problems tolerating it, then gradually increase the dosage. Personally, if I were you, I would forget about the red yeast rice for now, and just focus on increasing the HDL with niacin.

Guy1_USA · 08-19-2007, 06:58 PM

If you have insurance... ask you Doctor for a prescription os Niaspan... it's extended release and is not known to to cause liver problems for most... and reduces significantly any flushing...

Arizona77 · 08-19-2007, 07:42 PM

Thanks for all of your responses. I am going to add 500mg of Niacin and see what happens. Can I continue to take Red yeast Rice with the Niacin? Thank you all again in advanced.

Arizona77 · 08-22-2007, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARIZONA73

Hello Arizona77,

I don't know why you are even bothering with the red yeast rice. Your total cholesterol is not even close to being high. In fact, it's rather low. However, I do agree that you should try to raise the HDL. Niacin should help. I know it has helped me. The best form of niacin to use for raising HDL is the immediate-release form, not the time-release. Plus, it's easier on the liver. Try taking 250mg four times a day, for a total of 1000mg. However, you may want to start with a lower dose if you have problems tolerating it, then gradually increase the dosage. Personally, if I were you, I would forget about the red yeast rice for now, and just focus on increasing the HDL with niacin.

Hi Arizona73,

I am thinking of stopping the Red Yeast rice and taking 500mg Niacin twice daily. Is this also effective in lowering LDL and TRIG. My LDL and TRIG are great now but I really want to raise my HDL. How much has the Niacin increased your HDL?