Vascular Relaxant SR

The cardiovascular benefits of niacin (vitamin B3) were introduced in the June 1956 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings [1]. More than 20 years later, the Framingham Heart Study touted the benefits of niacin on lipid metabolism. A decade later, as the study continued, researchers labeled niacin “front-line” cardiovascular support [2]. This status was further reinforced in 1988 when the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) panel designated niacin a “first-line therapy” for support of specific parameters related to cardiovascular health [3].

Various experimental models suggest niacin can modulate lipoprotein biosynthesis in the liver, inhibit the release of free fatty acids from adipocytes, inhibit synthesis of apo B, induce lipoprotein lipase, and help maintain the structure and function of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) by reducing the amount of apo A-1 broken down from HDL during liver processing.

In 2004, the ARBITER 6-HALTS trial clearly demonstrated that niacin offers targeted support of cardiovascular health [6]. Final results of this trial, published in 2010, further demonstrated that niacin supports healthy carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) [7].

Sustained Release (SR): Facial flushing is harmless, although it can be a nuisance. Flushing is most often seen with the use of immediate/instant-release forms of niacin. The proprietary wax-coated technology used in Vascular Relaxant tablets allows a gradual, sustained release of niacin over a 7 to 8-hour period. This delivery dramatically reduces the flushing associated with immediate-release forms.

It is important to note that Vascular Relaxant SR should not be confused with “no-flush” niacin, which is inositol hexanicotinate (IHN), a supplement that does not contain any free niacin and may not be as supportive of cardiovascular health as those providing nicotinic acid [8,9].

CAUTIONS: Take under ongoing supervision with regular monitoring of blood chemistry, especially liver function. Do not take if you are pregnant or lactating.

References

1. Parsons WB Jr, Achor RW, Berge KG,et al. Changes in concentration of blood lipids following prolonged administration of large doses of nicotinic acid to persons with hypercholesterolemia: preliminary observations. Mayo Clin Proc. 1956 Jun 27;31(13):377-90. [PMID: 13336128]
2. Kannel WB. Recent findings from the Framingham study—I. Med Times. 1978 Apr;106(4):23-27. [PMID: 642745]
3. Hulley SB. The US National Cholesterol Education Program. Adult treatment guidelines. Drugs. 1988;36 Suppl 3:100-04. [PMID: 3254822]
4. Morgan JM, Carey CM, Lincoff A, et al. The effects of niacin on lipoprotein subclass distribution. Prev Cardiol. 2004 Fall;7(4):182-7; quiz 188. [PMID: 8424822]
5. Holland RE, Rahman K, Morris AI, et al. Effect of niacin on biliary lipid output in the rat. Biochem Pharmacol. 1993 Jan 7;45(1):43-49. [PMID: 8424822
6. Taylor AJ, Sullenberger LE, Lee HJ, et al. Biology for the investigation of the treatment effects of reducing cholesterol (ARBITER) 2: a double-blind, placebocontrolled study of extended-release niacin on atherosclerosis progression in secondary prevention patients treated with statins. Circulation. 2004 Dec 7;110(23):3512-17. [PMID: 15537681]
7. Villines TC, Stanek EJ, Devine PJ, et al. The ARBITER 6-HALTS Trial (Arterial Biology for the Investigation of the Treatment Effects of Reducing Cholesterol 6-HDL and LDL Treatment Strategies in Atherosclerosis): final results and the impact of medication adherence, dose, and treatment duration. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2010 Jun 15;55(24):2721-67. [PMID: 20399059]
8. Backes JM, Padley RJ, Moriarty PM. Important considerations for treatment with dietary supplement versus prescription niacin products. Postgrad Med. 2011 Mar;123(2):70-83. Review. [PMID: 21474895]
9. Norris RB. “Flush-free niacin”: dietary supplement may be “benefit-free”. Prev Cardiol. 2006 Winter;9(1):64-65. [PMID: 16407706]