HEALTH NEWS

Study Title:

Safety and Effectiveness of Inositol Hexaniacinate

Study Abstract

Niacin has long been prescribed for the treatment of various cardiovascular conditions, particularly the hyperlipidemias. It has been proven effective at lowering VLDL, LDL, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels while raising HDL levels. The side effects of niacin which may occur at the dosages often required for therapeutic efficacy, ranging from flushing and pruritus to hepatoxicity and impaired glucose tolerance, often prove troubling for both patient and practitioner. The need for a safer approach to niacin supplementation has resulted in the investigation of niacin esters. One of the most widely studied of these is inositol hexaniacinate (IHN). In numerous trials it has been found to be virtually free of the side effects associated with conventional niacin therapy. Extensive research has found IHN to be effective in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, Raynaud’s disease and intermittent claudication. A number of other conditions which respond favorably to niacin therapy such as hypertension, diabetes, dysmennorhea and alcoholism bear further investigation.