Natural Ways to Reduce Cholesterol and How to Increase HDL Naturally.

Extended release niacin:

An analysis involved 432 participants with dyslipidemia who received extended-release niacin (500-3000 mg/day). Average reduction in LDL cholesterol was greater for women than for men at all doses: significant differences of 6.6% at 1000 mg, 5.7% at 1500 mg, 7.9% at 2000 mg and 11.0% at 3000 mg were reported. Triglyceride decreases also were greater for women than for men at all doses, although only the difference at 1500 mg/day reached significance (28.6% vs 20.4%). In conclusion, women respond as well, if not better, than men to extended-release niacin treatment. (60)

An individual responded well to 3 g/daily of immediate-release niacin, however after switching to same dose slow-release niacin the individual developed hepatitis. The authors caution that niacin is a drug and not a dietary supplement. The authors recommend use of immediate-release niacin beginning a therapy treatment with a dose of 2 g/daily. (63)