Niacin - Better Than Your Statin?

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The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practice medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment
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[@charflorida5433]

Yes, high doses of flush Niacin can lower cholesterol. BUT there is a catch. It eventually raises liver enzymes; it is hard on the liver, which is not good. Statins are bad also. I found the best way to lower my hereditary problem cholesterol (dropped 100 points in 8 months so far) as well as healthier triglycerides and HDL, was by INTERMITTENT FASTING, which is very healthy, and severely reducing white sugar and processed carbs. Eating only nature's carbs and quality organic fruits, veges, legumes, and good proteins. One cannot talk to their doctor because most doctors will not voluntarily promote intermittent fasting. We have to learn about it from good videos from doctors who are willing to get the word out. My doctor now talks about intermittent fasting with me because I brought it up and showed her the results. Then I found out some of the staff in my doctor's office was doing fasting as well, go figure. Good luck everyone!

[@tvted6160]

I’m still shocked in 2024 a Dr is taking statins 😬

[@snezanavl8580]

I did all the above that you did couldn't reduce my cholesterol.

[@charflorida5433]

@@snezanavl8580 ☹️

[@paulasnyder8269]

We do intermittent fasting also works AWESOME! Also doing the CARNIVORE DIET! No more Statins or blood pressure meds! Lost 75 pounds in 2 months! FEEL AWESOME!

[@sunnyshealthcoaching]

YES! 🎉 Thanks for the post, I found the same

[@stuarthutt3740]

Cholesterol is critical for the body for cell repair, make hormones in the adrenal cortex, sex hormones. Cholesterol is so important to the brain it makes its own since lipids cant go through the blood brain barrier. The most advantageous study id the 4s study on statins. There was no change in all cause mortality and a 1% absolute reduction in CVD. Doctors sell you on relative efficacy. Stains reduce CoQ10 and K2 and increase risk of T2D, ED, dementia, skin cancer etc. Satins do cross the blood brain barrier and create brain fog. Older people with higher cholesterol live longe. If you want to really damage someone put them on statins and tell them iodine supplement is expensive urine. Do your research and find a doctor of naturopathy or functional medicine

[@bonniebenz8792]

Dr Steven GUNDRY, a cardiologist says cholesterol isn’t the problem it’s Triglycerides. Go on a Keto diet, cut out anything made from flour, potatoes and rice. Eat meat, fish, low glycemic vegetables, nuts and berries.

[@JohnWest4]

Some would consider being brain dead but alive to be a clinical success. Not in my book. Fix the diet, find ways to reduce fasting glucose level.... And use finger sticks as guidance to assess. Before meal, 30 min after, 90 min after.

[@carlyndolphin]

@@bonniebenz8792He also says avoid tomatoes but Italians eat them every day

[@MichaelCzajka]

@@bonniebenz8792 Triglycerides also drop when you take niacin.

[@Lennybird91]

We attacked my mom's cholesterol from many directions. Exercise, sublingual b complex, omega-3 DHA/EPA, increased fiber and fermented foods, reduced saturated fat, etc. Have had excellent results in the past year!

[@bmwlane8834]

Sounds like all good things and changes! Great on improving numbers.

[@alexandrawhite7614]

Inspirational! How lucky your mom is to have your super-informed support.

[@sunnyshealthcoaching]

Great approach

[@donaldkasper8346]

My cholesterol collapsed starting with working out at a gym with heavy weights last year and as of spring this year continues to decline.

[@Kjuken69]

Why did you attached your mams colesterol, are you insane?

[@ieaston915]

My fellow Canadian Dr's are FANTASTIC

[@gigismalley]

I'm glad I stayed till the end. Dr. Z had me thinking pro Niacin until the side effects were talked about. We love y'all in Texas. Thanks for all the great & entertaining information,

[@donaldkasper8346]

Other than gas and getting the shits, what can go wrong with it?

[@The-Contractor]

Z shades the anti-Niacin argument by failing to provide the statistical probability of harm from use. Just another MD talking out his uniformed/misinformed ass. Do your own research and stay with peer review journal papers. Stiff reads but well worth the effort and you actually learn some new things..

[@barbarak8158]

Thanks for sharing, Docs! I was waiting for another of your informative videos! Have a good week!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks! You too!

[@aelaan12]

Statins have a very nasty side effect. After my open-heart surgery they put me on 80mg of Atorvastatin and I suffered years with "brain fog" and became more and more confused. Until I got a new Cardiologist who looked at my DLs and concluded to try to stop the statin for 6 weeks and report back how things were going. They were going swell to be honest. Three days after stopping the statin I did no longer suffer from the "brain fog". I had some more bloodwork done and we upped it back to 40mg, where I am today, and my head feels clear as before the whole ordeal.

[@kathleenking47]

How about berberine?

[@The-Contractor]

Same statin prescribed by my treating Physician. Three weeks in and my sleep was wrecked, wake up wired for sound every 2 1/2 - three hours, muscle cramps, and my short term memory tanked. I was on a half dose, quit statin and a couple weeks later I was back to normal. Went Carnivore and feel great. Labs soon so we'll see.

[@jayscanlan2775]

Please let us know!

[@teddybear4020]

I threw my statin out

[@bennygreene1421]

​@@teddybear4020 Have you tried niacin or red yeast rice?

[@rdance3]

The problem with taking B3 supplements is that every molecule of B3, whether it's utilized in metabolism or excreted in the urine, has to be methylated. This means that very valuable methyl groups (CH3), are excreted in the urine. Natural foods that contain B3 also contain nutrients that support methylation. Many who come to this supplement have unhealthy methylation systems so the liver takes the hit. The safer way to go about supplementing with B3 is to match the molar weight of the B3 with that of Betaine TMG and take the correct forms of Folate and B12. (Methyl-folate and Methylcobalamin). A few grams of Glycine can aid in buffering any excess methyl groups.

[@heatherdepasquale9803]

Over a decade ago my GP ordered niacin for me. I was taking a nap at my sister’s house. I had a dream that I was on a beautiful tropical beach. I started getting warmer and warmer…woke up flushed and feeling almost like a red lobster. I believe after she dc’d it she ordered Lipitor instead (which has successfully kept my cholesterol levels down). Another great video…thanks 🇨🇦🇨🇦😊

[@joyceheslop8052]

“I’m no hero… I’m just an orthopedic surgeon.” 😂 Once again an informative video with humor! Thank you guys for studying various health topics and sharing with us. You step out of the orthopedic box to provide us with valuable health information but always tell us “You are in charge of your own health.” 👏🏻 Thank you! 😊

[@DD-sd4we]

Superb video, many thanks 👍

[@ConniePretula]

I took Niacin for about two months to help bring down my cholesterol. I also cut out saturated fats as I have a genetic expression that makes it difficult for my body to breakdown saturated fat. I also made sure I was lifting weights 3 times a week. I made sure I was eating fruit instead of other sweets. Brought my cholesterol down from 8.9 to 6.2. RDA’s were created during WWII due to food rations. The amounts were based on healthy individuals and the amount of supplements and foods to maintain health due to not having access to a wide range of foods. They are very outdated and not helpful for people who have health issues.

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

Once again the Docs have nailed it😊

[@JohnWest4]

Please describe your takeaway. If absolute efficacy matters, and we go from 4% to 2%, then 98% of customers were not helped. 2% were beyond help. 2% were helped. 96% contributed to the financial performance of the industry.

[@peteraldrich1007]

"That's not a bottom line, it was a paragraph" another informative, humorous review. Thanks Docs😅

[@LK-bz9sk]

Very good discussion. So my take away was the doc final opinion....getting enough from my diet to not tinker w supplement and potential side effects

[@kellysampson9744]

Thank you doctor's for the information..

[@eliz49]

Missed you guys!

[@joseenoel8093]

Bye bye, off to NL tomorrow to view bergs, full moon on Thurs to help with viewing and amazing taking great pics!

[@brianpinto785]

Enjoy. We went to NL last year and saw a lot of ice bergs and other beautiful scenery and fauna and wonderful people.

[@jimdaikh9381]

I started taking 1 tbsp of psyllium husk a day and cholesterol went from 225 to 183. My LDL and Triglycerides lowered and HDL went up. I am not certain the psyllium did it because I also started to exercise more and consume fish. I suspect it's the psyllium because my cholesterol has always been high even when I exercised a lot when I was young. Hope this might be helpful for some.

[@user-mz6sh2xr7f]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@susieqbrown]

I take about 4 tablespoons a day with no change to my (inherited) cholesterol but still taking the psyllium. Body doesn't tolerate statins.

[@jimdaikh9381]

@@susieqbrown that's unfortunate. I've only done one test after taking psyllium. I was very surprised with the results and couldn't explain it any other way. My diet is very healthy but not sure it will have such a drastic impact. I wish you the best!

[@Kjuken69]

I bet your colesterol is 225 again today, the colesterol is what it should be!

[@jimdaikh9381]

@@Kjuken69 Possiblity. Will find out with the next test.

[@alexandrawhite7614]

I love the smart new scrubs. The best yet. I too took niacin for a while in the hope of lowering my cholesterol, but then stopped because I prioritise my blood glucose. I'm glad to have my decision endorsed (sort of).

[@nancymacdonald6451]

Love your videos!

[@richt6353]

Thank You for this Information!

[@danteburritar2822]

I took Niacin for a while. I built up my tolerance to the flush and learnt to actually like it, and ended up taking 2g per day. Yes it lowered my LDL and Niacin is useful for reducing plaque in arteries too. Good for helping with LP(a) too, something Statins can’t claim. If you don’t get the the flush type don’t expect any benefit.

[@JohnWest4]

Reducing plaque sounds like the objective here. Stabilizing plaque with Calcium sounds like a good idea until you consider if you want it there at all. Cavadex seems like another path to losing plaque. Last i'd heard there were problems with hearing loss?

[@danteburritar2822]

@@JohnWest4 it appears that Cavadex turns stabilized plaque into soft plaque (the dangerous type) which doesn’t sound good for the risk factors at all!

[@JohnWest4]

​@@danteburritar2822especially if your business model relies on people to be scared of eliminating their atherosclerotic accumulada. That's c what we have stations for, for the rest of your life. If it helps 15% of people, is it unnecessary for 85% of people?

[@leebrendalee]

I take 1000 mil of non flush a day and after a year my cholesterol dropped, so both types work

[@JohnWest4]

​@@danteburritar2822 where can I read about that?

[@aliagnes6166]

Love the Docs

[@vickiepatterson1748]

Years ago there was a push for niacin and lots of people started taking it but the red face became an issue. A lot of multivitamins have niacin in the ingredients. That and what's consumed in the food we eat is probably enough without taking an additional supplement. It just seems like the risks are too high and could lead to more problems we don't need. We really appreciate your honest opinion! If something is iffy, you will definitely tell us!👍

[@mikeshay4866]

You can buy no flush niacin

[@dondominguez1663]

@@mikeshay4866 But I heard that it needs to be the flushing kind. I don't know, I'm not a Doc I wish they had touched on that.

[@carync131]

Has to be the flush one

[@MichaelCzajka]

@@carync131 Inositol hexanicotinate is no-flush but works like normal niacin. It uses enzymatic action to release one niacin molecule at a time and works better than normal niacin. None of the studies the doctors referenced used this form... but it's the form that doctors and patients prefer. :-)

[@richesefeed1845]

That was a fair conclusion. ❤❤

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks. We do our best to be objective. We aren’t selling niacin or statins 😀

[@Lazzar1958]

VERY interesting!! I've often wondered IF you take supplements should you literally feel any better or notice any difference or does it simply benefit the body, which may only show up in a blood test?

[@u38d]

Amla (Amalaki) Powder and ground flax seeds one tbsp of each in my protein shake every morning helped and its cheep and no side effects.

[@djmaloney9627]

Oh, how I wish you awesome Doctors were in the US or I was in Canada. I had a knee replacement done 4 years ago that needs to be revisited, and I am struggling so hard to connect with a physician that understands and is willing to listen to what I need. Which is no chronic pain, more mobility.When you take away from someone who has been active and is now barely mobile, life is not enjoyable. Sigh. I have learned so much from watching your videos. You guys are the best! A word on niacin, Have taken it as a supplement. Did have some side effects, symptoms where my face would get hot and. A bit of a rapid pulse. Stop taking it and now try to get it through food groups. I think that works for me.

[@user-mz6sh2xr7f]

I recently signed up with Root Cause Medical in Maryland. It is functional medicine.The program last 16 weeks. Hopefully it may help you.

[@djmaloney9627]

@@user-mz6sh2xr7f Thank you I will check it out. Bless you!

[@gregoryglen4090]

Always enjoy your great advice Docs. And love the new scrubs!

[@passerineblue]

I worked with a man who had high cholesterol and took lots of niacin. Without warning, his face would almost turn purple. He looked like he was having a stroke.

[@ytsux9259]

Sounds like my gf when she asks me to chk her during... 😊😆

[@marygarrett9724]

Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing

[@Whatisthisstupidfinghandle]

There is flushing and non flushing. 500 mg will leave you looking like you are sunburned for 3hrs. If you are going to take larger doses take the non flushing kind. You will turn much less red

[@MichaelCzajka]

It's embarassing but it's not dangerous... but try telling that to third parties. You can get around the flushing problem by using slow release inositol hexanicotinate which relies on enzymatic action... and thus still has the same benefits as normal niacin. It wasn't mentioned in any of the studies the doctors referenced.

[@fazole]

I take 500mg of Niacin 30min before an intense workout. It gives me energy and reduces muscle fatigue, 3x week. The problem with studies, is WHO is conducting the study and what were the circumstances. Just recently a "study" came out that IF was harmful, but what was the protocol and who funded it? For a prime exsmple, look at the food compass recommendations and who funded it...undisclosed, but curiously the top "healthiest" foods were breakfast cereals, above beef and eggs! See Dr. Berry, MD channel.

[@christinad9446]

Thank you

[@henrybrandt1057]

It seems tough to make a case for taking an additional Niacin supplement given that an ordinary daily multivitamin has plenty of it and the average breakfast cereal is fortified with some Niacin. Thanks for your excellent presentation!

[@charflorida5433]

An ordinary multi vitamin does not have plenty of Niacin in the higher dose, nor is it usually even the right kind of niacin. Still, there is no magic pill, and I can say this from experience.

[@normainafuku-pw9zm]

You are talking about niacinamide not niacin. It is in all the multivitamins, but is very different and doesn't work to lower cholesterol like niacin.

[@charflorida5433]

@@normainafuku-pw9zm That is correct. The Niacin that makes you tingle and flush is the right one.

[@MichaelCzajka]

If your cholesterol hasn't dropped then you're not taking enough niacin. The amount of niacin in foods obviously isn't sufficient otherwise you wouldn't have a cholesterol problem?

[@charflorida5433]

@@MichaelCzajka Niacin is not the cure. It only covers up the symptoms.

[@mickeylandin6896]

Artery De-Clogger recipe works for me. 1 serving: 1 raw clove of garlic. 3 tbs of red onion. 1/2 bunch of Italian parsley, if using a juice extractor. Or 6-7 sprigs if using a blender. 1/2 cup celery with leaves. 1/2 inch of ginger root. 1 pinch of cayenne pepper. 1 cup of tomato juice. Ice cubes or water as needed. Can use a juice extractor or blender. Juice: garlic, ginger. Onion, parsley and celery. Add to tomato juice and add cayenne pepper, lemon juice, ice cubs or water. Can also take supplements like lecithin/sunflower. Kyolic garlic capsules. Milk thistle. Cut down on cold meats and junk food. Take supplements with food. Consult with your health care provider. Hope this recipe helps .

[@melinda4539]

How much lemon juice?

[@Aetherfield]

Similar to “Fire Cider” but you let the concoction ferment and sip off it for days or months.

[@NoObligationToday]

Quack Quack!

[@rajeevshrivastava4488]

Where is the data, source?

[@poepflater]

Cardiac event... I remember how the tone of the lady changed when I phoned the hospital to say I'm driving there I;m nearly there and I;m having a cardiac event..... they were awesome. they came to fetch me in the car in the parking lot. In my experience, just walking around the block will probably do more for most heart patients than two new tablets every day!

[@chillisimo]

Diet and exercise has helped my cholesterol. Off topic question: for monitoring health-related data do you both use smartwatches? Which environment and why? (I recently moved from Fitbit to Garmin)

[@mjeansz]

Not for everybody. When I was on niacin, I got incredibly sick, and my doctor knew immediately that the niacin had caused my liver enzymes to skyrocket; he had me stop the niacin, and within a couple of weeks I was back to normal. Even "natural" remedies can be bad for some people.

[@MrFRANKOK]

Affected my red blood count. Lipitor lowered white. Extemibe works with few side effects. If you take niacin can get prescription brand without the adder to reduce face flushing. Just take it st. night.

[@lindathompson3109]

Another good video!

[@danieljrgensen133]

Dr. Zalzal> Which statin do you use? I'm guessing either Atorvastatin or Rosuvastatin.....as those two seems to have become the most commonly recommended and prescribed. However, I personally lowered my apoB by nearly 30% using nicotinic acid(and lowered lipoprotein(a) 10% as well)....and have none of the issues/side effects- listed for niacin/nicotinic acid. Even though I'm taking it with a low dose statin. I'm surprised nobody working in the lipid/health space, hasn't even mentioned the method/protocol I'm using. I feel the people with authority in this field(lipid doctors and family physician) have failed to properly dig into all the research in this field. Otherwise, I shouldn't be among very few who get these benefits I'm seeing! 🤔😉

[@WendyMencel]

My dad had a heart attack at 42, was put in statins plus niacin and he is turning 87 n next week and still drinks like a fish. So who knows… life’s a crapshoot

[@wread1982]

My grandma is 101 has had extremely high blood pressure since the 1950s and she eats processed crap, coffee and grape soda and she’s still sharp

[@mike9147]

ANOTHER great video guys! Can you suggest a dosage amount to take of vitamin B-3?

[@billwilliams44]

I think he suggested not taking it.

[@MichaelCzajka]

500 mg is the sweet spot for niacin. Take the slow release Inositol hexanicotinate and if you don't want the flush but still want the other benefits. It's normal niacin but relies on enzymatic action to release it slowly. Works like magic. N.B. It wasn't the kind of niacin they mentioned in the video. 🙂

[@Francois997.2]

Traded in my Rovustatin for Red Yeast and only every 2nd day, my cholesterol is back to normal levels. Used Niacin flush but heard about the same side effects etc. so stopped that long time ago. The flush is really heavy but eat 1/2 an apple and you will hardly have a flush, in case you want to use it.

[@WriterandPhotographer]

There is a big downside to niacin that can present a big risk for some patients. At one time, I had sky-high triglycerides - 722 and low HDL. My doctor put me on a high dose of niacin, certainly much higher than the RDA, yet what might be considered a clinical dose for efficacy. I am a writer and researcher and do a lot of writing in the healthcare space. My mother had died fairly young from a hemorrhagic stroke. To my shock, I discovered that a very compelling study showed that my high-dose niacin increased my already increased risk of the same type of stroke substantially. I immediately went off the niacin and onto a low-dose statin. My tri's have been much lower in recent years although my HDL has never been as high as it should be. I work out every day and cycle several miles daily as well. (late-60s) People who have any family history with hemorrhagic stroke need to steer clear of any dose of niacin beyond the RDA. Slo-niacin does help with flushing by the way. Yet, it doesn't end there. The statin I take has been found in a more recent study to double the risk of dementia. Both of my parents had dementia.

[@cwally1994]

Keep taking statins... they'll help you forget about everything.

[@janlange3839]

Since there are at least 3 forms of niacin found in supplements and added to food it would be interesting to see/hear you all discuss whether they were talking about a specific type in those studies. I find that nicotinic acid is not the most common form in either supplements or food additives.

[@marieholzwasser9224]

Thank you for the information. My husband has Type 2 diabetes and has been taking 500 mg. of Niacin for several years. It's time to move on and stop taking it.

[@TheJust22az]

After much research, I settled on 50 mg a day along with other lifestyle choices. It works for me.

[@BobDobbs681]

Good to know. I'll pass on niacin supplements. On another matter I was horrified to recently read of the growing popularity of home IV vitamin treatments. Aside from the risks it seems to be diverting resources away from patients with actual medical needs.

[@thomasmore4468]

High cholesterol does not cause heart disease or atherosclerosis. Study showed people with higher cholesterol levels live longer in Japan, similar conclusions were made by a study based in the Netherlands and published in BMJ in 2016.

[@billwilliams44]

Give me some references. Not just one but several and I will read up on it.

[@Kjuken69]

​@@billwilliams44think for yourself! How could colesterol be dangerous? Use your brain

[@billwilliams44]

@@Kjuken69 too much cholesterol causes people to misspell words.

[@LluviadeOrugas]

My mom suffered a massive stroke due to high cholesterol twenty years ago. She was put on a daily statin ever since, and thankfully she hasn’t suffered any other illness. My grandmother who also suffered from high cholesterol died recently in her nineties after taking statins for as long as I can remember.

[@billwilliams44]

@@Kjuken69 use my brain. Help me here. I want to understand your logic.

[@stevemc2626]

Not one mention of how it lowers Lp(a). This seems to be a statin ad to me. Lp(a) is far more atherogenic than LDL and statins RAISE Lp(a). But niacin definitely lowers Lp(a). I know because I’ve lowered mine with it.

[@JohnWest4]

Clinical practice and medical research could be isolated from the profit motivation. New cures and treatments could be found without the profit motivation of the researchers. Does anyone else see a potential conflict of interest here?

[@rogerrocco5211]

It is working very well for me, especially my triglycerides. After 6 months of taking supplements, my total cholesterol is 168 and all my other blood factors are within normal range. Yes, it’s very effective!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad to hear it

[@susieqbrown]

How much are you taking?

[@rogerrocco5211]

@@susieqbrown 100mg daily and I added peanuts to my diet which are also a good source. Remarkable results!

[@dondominguez1663]

My doc wanted to put me on statins just because I was approaching 70 and protocol and my lipid panel was in the normal range maybe above medium average. I said BS, I'm not out of shape or obese, I started eating ketogenic. THE CHEAPEST DRUG IN THE HOUSE IS EXERCISE! I exercise 4 days a week, resistance train and cardio for at least 2 1/2 hours. Lost 20 lbs and feel great. Waiting for my doc to order my next lipid panel. We should be worried about calcification in our arteries. How about CAC screening? That should tell us more about what's going on.

[@kvonzwild8979]

For those of us that react poorly to statins, niacin seems a good answer. With as little as 100 mg plain niacin my HDL went from 40 to 70. It did nothing to my LDL however.

[@51AB]

My ophthalmologist prescribed 3000 mg per day of Niacinamide or Nicotinamide for optic nerve damage from glaucoma. Have you heard of this.? Apparently there was a study in Australia.

[@JohnWest4]

Good food for thought. Here are a few: What conditions are statins shown to help with? What studies back this up. Always heard hardening of arteries was bad, but that seems to be the objective of rosuvastatin calcium ( stabilize plaques by calcifying them)? Would one expect a low score on coronary calcium study after taking it for 2 years? Why would that test not be repeated? Thanks for helping the population understand the benefits of these blockbuster ( defined by financial performance, not health benefit ) drugs. Also, thanks to others that offer experience with healthier ways to control heart disease by diet and exercise!

[@ronaldgarrison8478]

About 40 years ago, I took a large dose of niacin, in the middle of the day, based on a suggestion I had read in a book. The warning, along with that suggestion, was that it could cause skin flushing. Oh, did it ever. I thought it might, so I wasn't too freaked out, and the effect was not especially unpleasant, but it was still quite a lot more than I expected. Taking any new substance, always start small!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Agree

[@MichaelCzajka]

Inositol hexanicotinate is slow release niacin that has all the same benefits as normal niacin but doesn't cause flushing... or if it does it's only very mild. It's not the niacin mentioned in the studies. It relies on enzymatic action to release one molecule of niacin at a time. The slow release works much better than the massive dump that normal niacin causes. 🙂

[@ronaldgarrison8478]

​@@MichaelCzajka I thought I read, about 40 years ago, that nicotinic acid has some benefits that niacinamide doesn't have. It's been a long time, and it would not be trivial to look it up, but I have a pretty good idea where I read it, and I probably could look it up, if I were subjected to enough pressure. But I just had another thought. Doesn't tryptophan make niacin available? Isn't that actually the source of most of it? If so, there could be a danger in a diet that is low in protein. I'm not talking about insanely low, like someone with kwashiorkor or some such thing. But there seems to be a notion going around that less dietary protein slows aging. I think that may be really misguided. If you have a low-protein diet, that can cause problems. I've noticed some problems in my own experience. BTW I'm not talking about problems of long-term health. If I'm too short on protein, I just don't function well. And if you eat a diet like that, I wonder if that could lead to a niacin deficiency. Something to that?

[@MichaelCzajka]

@@ronaldgarrison8478 Niacinimde doesn't have all the benefits of niacin. Niacin is more effective. That seems to be well accepted. The main reason people take niacinimide is to avoid the flush from niacin... which can be very uncomfortable. The Inositol form of niacin allows you to get all the benefits with virtually none of the flush. If you get the flush (usually very mild) you can take 5 mg of folic acid and it disappears. That seems to work much faster than taking an aspirin: Sublingual tablet works very quickly i.e. A few minutes

[@MichaelCzajka]

@@ronaldgarrison8478 Look up the Journal of Ortholecular Medicine and niacin. They wrote a good summary of niacin and they reference inositol hexanicotinate. They point out that inositol hexanicotinate was the form favoured by the most famous proponents of niacin. For some reason this fact gets glossed over in most publications :-)

[@SusanaXpeace2u]

I'll do that study on myself. I'm not taking a statin at 54! only risk is high cholesterol. low triglycerides, low bp, good blood sugar result, non-smoker. Not over weight. I was a bit, hannnnnng onnnnnnnnnn cool your jetts when the gp tried to push a statin on me. I'm not against it if it's necessary but i need more tests to know that it. it's like schroedinger's atherosclerosis.

[@dilligaf2386]

I eat plenty of foods with b3 have done for years but I still have bad circulation , niacin all b vitamins they help circulation its not a fix it . Good diet and exercise is the key but this has to happen from an early age say in your teens.

[@GianniVitucci]

Dr Zalzal, you have lost considerable weight since the last video of yours that I watched. Whats up? You are looking very healthy! Good vid guys.

[@deniselefebvre4362]

I’ve been on a statin for years and LDL/HDL have been steady. Started taking niacin and my LDL went down and HDL went up!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes it does that.

[@southtxblues]

I was prescribed Niaspan (Niacin) and my PCP told me it would come with a side effect of "flushing." Wow, was it! Now I know what women going through menopause experience. I was on fire, especially when stressed. When it's effects of on my cholerstol went down, my PCP took me off of it. I was thrilled!!! Now I'm on a statin.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Oh wow! Thanks for sharing

[@user-jf4zh7lb2q]

There is also a no flushing version of niacin

[@southtxblues]

@@user-jf4zh7lb2q That's a good thing. However labs showed the Niacin having a diminishing effect from the beginning. I was not informed of any other Niacin options, but it didn't matter because it wasn't working.

[@cwally1994]

Statins = poison

[@ndmoreno]

❤ Taking it now at my doctors request so far raising HDL and lowering LDL and…. Lowering LP(a) for me.

[@FundedFuturesTrader]

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback...

[@ash9x9]

Statins caused dementia to my father after about 2 years of use. medical frat. would not admit this but it really does, so be very careful with these statins.

[@charflorida5433]

I finally got a better lipid panel with radical healthy eating and intermittent fasting.

[@mikeshay4866]

But it doesn't cause dementia that have taken for 20 yrs it didn't for some, now what

[@stavross3321]

Statins caused diabetes to my mother. Statin diabetes caused diamentia. I threw statins in the garbage bin ans diabetes reversed. Also dementia stopped developing. She also got macular degeneration from statin diabetes.

[@stuarthutt3740]

Yes statins go through the blood brain barrier and reduce cholesterol production. The brain makes its own cholesterol.

[@ash9x9]

@@stuarthutt3740 so is it good or bad thing?

[@katiedid1851]

Swear I learn more about nutritional help from commenters. Thank you And Keep the comments coming.❤

[@laurafreeman3335]

Actually have been taking niacin for about a year and a half I would say maybe 2 years and I have seen a lot of great benefits from taking niacin I noticed in the beginning of taking niacin that I was quite cold but my body kind of worked through that but I think it's an amazing supplement to help do what other things cannot do because I really don't I prefer to stay away from statins as much as I can

[@susieqbrown]

What brand, amount are you taking? Statins don't agree with me. thanks

[@laurafreeman3335]

​@@susieqbrownI'm not sure what brand I am actually taking my family gets it for me at the pharmacy so but it really did lower my cholesterol there's a lot of research on things you can also look up Dr Guthrie he also is a doctor who recommends niacin as well so I hope this helps

[@lindasanders222]

Statins make me blind. WHY?

[@jerryjohnson9531]

I was told that I had relatively high cholesterol a little over 6 months ago. My total cholesterol was 220, LDL 138, triglycerides 161, HDL was okay at 42. After being on 1,000 mg of niacin for almost 6 months my total cholesterol dropped to 193, LDL dropped to 122, triglycerides 129 and HDL increased to 48. Those were all good changes but I had to get off of it because, if you have blood sugar problems, this can cause that to increase. My A1c was 5.6 (high normal) to 5.9 (pre-diabetes). So, my results were almost identical to what these doctors found from their research. If blood sugar is not a problem for you then I would try it if I were you. If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, I would stay away from large doses. I am not a medical specialist so this is just what happened to me.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@gregderiemacker4842]

Hey Docs! Long time no see. Opps, is that wrong to say these days? What do you think of eating nutritional yeast to get all your B vitamins?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes just make sure it has some - not all do

[@maggiemirenda7146]

I’m taking nattokinase to lower my genetic high cholesterol n help the plaque buildup

[@dougmurrayshow]

Did it work?

[@katiedid1851]

Me too Natto, bromelain and serrapeptase. Oh, and lumbrokinase. I take all 4 on an empty stomach. When I missed a day, arthritis pain jumped back at me. Googled and found that enzymes do have a function in pain. ❤🎉 Bless all of us who are refusing to roll over and play dead.

[@demomandan8087]

I did a test 2 months drop my bad cholesterol 1.1 I was just taking 250mg 1/2 a pill now I’m doing 500mg I am sleeping better and feel better … and you guys should do better job on your research…. It’s better for you whole body brain ect …..

[@lynnpetti3817]

Even it it lowers cholesterol, does it need to be lowered

[@stephaniescofield9433]

Last August I drastically changed my diet. No, fried foods, fast foods, beef (although I’m rethinking that) no pork lowered my sugar and carbs and I still have high cholesterol. Last summer I was taken off a statin because my liver enzymes were high. It’s very frustrating knowing you’ve worked hard and the cholesterol remains high 🤦🏻‍♀️ and still working through the liver enzymes. The only good news is I’m very close to not being diabetic anymore.

[@alexandrawhite7614]

In my opinion, lower blood glucose trumps lower cholesterol every time. Congratulations on your progress! Have you come across Dr Eric Westman on KZbin? He often says, "Cholesterol is not a disease". Have you had a Coronary Artery Calcium Test? Dr W would say that if the results of that are good, you don't need to worry about cholesterol.

[@stephaniescofield9433]

@@alexandrawhite7614 no I haven’t. They put me back in statin and I’ll have my enzymes rechecked in June. They said I may have to see a cardiologist if my enzymes go back up. I’ll check this doctor out. Thank you! It’s amazing how much better I feel now that I e cut all the garbage out.

[@andrewthacker114]

Niacin didn’t agree with me, I got flushing. I stopped taking it. What about Red Yeast Rice , will you do a clip on that ?

[@123456BobJackson]

Have you guys not seen the " Scientific Reports " Total cholesterol and all-cause mortality by sex and age cohort study?? Also the High LDL and Oreo Cookie experiment. I'm confused

[@dianestephenson4662]

What about the Niacin in the multi vitamins? Should I search for one without niacin?

[@augustmosco]

Fellas, I take Nicotinamide, NMN, Berberine, Red Yeast Rice and Plant Sterols and I got my cholesterol down to an acceptable level without statins. It must depend on the individual.

[@denzaharo9326]

Nicitinamide is the wrong Niacin too. It's the flushing type called nicotinic acid that you should use. It's so confusing.

[@lindathompson3109]

I take a b complex every other day but the dosage if you read the label is quite high. I heard b12 helps with sleep. But remember with all these things we seek health span not so much longevity

[@tonyyork7211]

One of the things I hear about the study you all are talking about… and you mentioned it… it that the study used meds to eliminate the flush. Eliminating the flush made it so that the study is not useful.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

Correct 👍

[@MichaelCzajka]

Try the inositol hexanicotinate version of niacin. It is slow release using enzymatic action... as a result you don't flush (or it's very mild). You can also eliminate the flush by taking folic acid (5mg)... which improves the metabolism of niacin but doesn't change the way it works. This is the form that many of the older doctors use(d)... but not the one being quoted in the negative studies. 🙂

[@jamescalifornia2964]

@@MichaelCzajka ~ Interesting 👍

[@robertnelson2615]

What do you doctors think about Nattokinase for lowering cholesterol?

[@Starclimber]

I was given a high-dose niacin tablet at a mountain hut some years ago and thought 'must be good for me', so down the hatch! After basically forgetting about it, I began to feel peculiar, angsty, hot and itchy. So as not to seem a total lunatic, I stepped out into the cold and snow and freaked out by myself for a bit, not enjoying the sensation that my base layer was now woven from steel wool and the temperature had seemingly risen to 40°C, and someone had cranked the brightness up to blinding. After composing myself for a few minutes, the sensations abated, and I went back in and described my symptoms. 'Oh, that's the niacin flush' I was told. 'That's the sensation of radiation leaving your cells' soon followed. That's unlikely, I thought but did not say. I declined the offer to take a few home.

[@luellenseals3999]

Well I have 2 questions I heard don’t take it if your on a statin . I also was wondering if it is good to take if you have svt? Can it help ?

[@disqusrubbish5467]

Is it true taking Niacin for a few weeks increases your chance of tripping and falling in your driveway? Sorry Dr Z - still teasing. If you'd gotten hurt I wouldn't. Appreciate the info. I started taking niacinamide after having a skin cancer lesion removed. I talked to my Dermatologist about it. It's always nice to have good info like this to take to a discussion with your doctor.

[@Rolex45863]

It’s cause heart attack

[@abdolkarimkhorasanchian6052]

Last week report from Mayo clinic showed Niacin increases inflammation. Also please don't take nonflush Niacin which is definitely harmful? ❤❤

[@stevest1300]

I had a TIA in 2019. I was put on 80 mg of Avorstation at the hospital and have been on it ever since. I had "elevated" cholesterol at the time. I question my GP every time about reducing it. He sinply responds with "It won't hurt you". But the more I read from Dr. Google, I'm not sure he's right.

[@ceciliabrown1677]

I take niacin along with fenofibrate. it does lower my cholesterol Statins don't seem to work for me at all.

[@Eccles_History]

Can somebody answer a question? Got my blood test results, the printout they gave me read 38 mmol/mol. According to their numbers this is under the good range. The other 2 are moderate and poor. Yet they sent a text saying that my cholesterol is high, without making life style changes. I could head towards a risk of cardiovascular disease. At reception they were unable to explain it and the chances of speaking to a GP is slim as it's too busy. Can anyone explain by any chance?

[@douglaswright5689]

Not safe for some people! Caused severe hot flashes weakness, and heart issues! A friend of mine was on it had same problems!

[@mohamedalmheiri6793]

I took statins for my cholesterol but I also reduced my weight and did exercise it improved my cholesterol Except for HDL remains at 1 . When I got influenza A my bad cholesterol, reduced to 1.8 So I stopped stopped statins because my energy almost depleted. I started eating meat, liver brain eggs to raise back cholesterol from 1.8 to 2.5 . I didn’t take statins regularly and then I stopped. I’m trying B3 niacin 500mg once a week cause I cannot stand the flush. So far I took it 4 times. My HDL 2.9 .

[@DrProfX]

Niacin of 500 mg -2g also lowers Lp(a)

[@dominicsondrini3099]

"Great value" Bob and Brad!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Ha Paul and Brad!

[@bojax3434]

FYI statins impact all cause mortality the same way. It’s basically like a day or 2 that you live longer on average. And at what cost?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Well it’s not quite that simple despite what social media would have you believe. Decision to take is still yours though

[@StanDupp6371]

Zalzal, This is what happens when your cholesterol is too low taken from the bmjopen-2020-036976. "Compared with moderately elevated LDL-C (eg, 117-137 mg/dL), a lower plasma level of LDL-C (eg, ≤84 mg/dL) was associated with an increased risk of 4-year all-cause mortality in middle-aged and elderly Chinese men. The results suggest the potential harmful effect of a quite low level of LDL-C on total mortality." This is why you see no long lived healthy populations or centenarians with low cholesterol levels.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks for sharing your opinion. This study has been invalidated on many levels.

[@StanDupp6371]

@@TalkingWithDocs It is not an opinion as the study was not funded by any food, pharma or religious group, they are selling nothing and it is validated unless you can provide evidence but you have zero credentials in this field. This study is validated as it applies to all cultures around the globe.

[@StanDupp6371]

@@TalkingWithDocs Please explain to Zalzal how these slim and fit, non smoking long term Chinese vegetarians taking no medications with a BMI of 22 hurt their cardiovascular health. 2005 article "Vascular Dysfunction in Chinese Vegetarians: An Apparent Paradox?" The CIMT does not lie. This is validated based on the evidence of the CIMT.

[@stavross3321]

I agree low cholesterol is associated with all cause death. There are more studies now that prove it. And it is not reversed causality they also looked at that in new studies. One reason is that statins cause premature death.

[@stavross3321]

Newer studies confirm the same low ldl is because of chronic inflammation, muscle loss and malnutrition

[@junedolson1642]

Great video. Would you please do a video about MGUS and why they don't test for it ? I have it, and my understanding is that I can not donate blood.

[@billwilliams44]

They do test for it. That’s how you know you have it, right? And you are right, you cannot donate blood.

[@junedolson1642]

@billwilliams44 They don't test on a regular basis. I found out when I broke my shoulder. Apparently, it's very common, and you don't even know you have it. Usually, it's found by chance when tested for something else. I had even called my doctors office to see if I could donate blood, and they didn't know they gave me a number to call, and the guy said that I could, but common sense told me no. Thank you for your reply.

[@billwilliams44]

@@junedolson1642 it is common but knowing you have it doesn’t really help much so screening everyone isn’t done.

[@merlemcdonald8100]

Hello doctors✋ could you please educate us which is better butter or margarine? Reading a lot about it online with different outcomes,confuses me 😒

[@snezanavl8580]

butter is better and make sure it's from grass fed and finished cows.

[@moniquemanspeaker7803]

I’m colesterol high I eat no meat still high I use to run 40 miles at week my thyroid was the one messed my colesterol both so 😊

[@k-cmccann9594]

Just incidentally, my new dermatologist recommends 500mg Niacinamide (or Nicotinamide) twice a day, to reduce the number of basal cell carcinomas, and actinic keratoses.

[@marygarrett9724]

Do you have that??

[@barbarak8158]

Wow, that's interesting !

[@disqusrubbish5467]

MIne is ok with that protocol too. And for those of you unfamiliar with it, Niacinamide is mostly non-flushing. And IIRC, the study showed prevention against recurrence benefits for both non-melanomas.

[@delacosta85]

Cholesterol is wonderful.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

It is necessary for sure

[@TheVafa95]

So is water. But there is a limit, beyond which both turn poisonous.

[@delacosta85]

@@TalkingWithDocs you want to know what one of the greatest source of heart disease? Check this out: Here are some key studies that have found a link between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease: 1. A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Heart Association examined 22 studies with over 175,000 participants. The researchers concluded that individuals with periodontal disease had a 1.14 times higher risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to those without periodontal disease. 2. A 2020 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology followed over 300,000 individuals for an average of 8 years. They found that participants with severe periodontitis had a 49% higher risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to those with healthy gums. 3. A 2018 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association followed over 7,000 adults for 15 years. The researchers reported that individuals with more severe periodontal disease at baseline had a 25% higher risk of developing coronary heart disease events during the follow-up period. 4. A 2017 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology examined data on over 100,000 individuals. The study showed that those with a history of periodontal disease treatment had a 28% lower risk of coronary heart disease events compared to those without a history of periodontal treatment. 5. A 2015 meta-analysis in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology reviewed 22 studies and concluded that the presence of periodontal disease was associated with a 1.24 times higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. These studies provide consistent evidence that periodontal disease is an independent risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. The mechanisms likely involve systemic inflammation and the spread of oral bacteria to the cardiovascular system.

[@davelove1345]

How about Niacin for cartilage repair?

[@leilaluginbill916]

Yeah! Good food❤

[@marcstilson3000]

I tried niacin therapy and truely my HDL went up, my LDL & triglycerides went DOWN, BUT MY KIDNEY FUNCTION ( GFR ) WENT DOWN TO 45. MY DR. HAD THE STROKE SEEING THIS. FORTUNATELY AFTER STOP THE THERAPY GFR RETURN TO 60 .

[@teddybear4020]

Can nicin. B taken up to 1.000 mg. With out messin around with liver