Niacin (Nicotinic Acid)

C6H5NO2

Nicotinamide- no reduction in blood cholesterol

Inositol Hexaniacinate- not much research, unlikely that it lowers cholesterol. "flush free"

Nicotinic Acid- shown to have an effect on blood cholesterol

Mechanism of action• Inhibits free fatty acid release from

adipose tissue through inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation.

• Decreases the rate of liver synthesis of LDL and VLDL.

http://www.worldofmolecules.com/supplements/niacin.htm

http://purebulk.com/niacin-usp-powder.html

Typical Usage• 1 g/day or more of niacin can decrease

CVD biomarkers.

• Combining nicotinic acid with Statin intake has been shown to be helpful in lowering cholesterol

http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrient_library/niacin

Safety• "Extended release" tablets = decreased flushing,

but more risk of liver toxicity. Especially avoid "slow release"

• Combining niacin & statin intake increases the risk of liver enzyme elevation. • SOP: since regular labs are needed, doctor supervision is necessary for niacin in amounts

above the UL.

http://www.physicianformulas.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=199 http://www.directlyfitness.com/2011/niacin-supplements/

Coenzyme Q10

Mechanism of action

Lipid soluble antioxidant in the cell membrane

Key player in the electron transport chain

(http://people.csail.mit.edu/seneff/statins_muscle_damage_heart_failure)

• Promotion of ATP synthesis

• Prevention of oxidative damage

http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1808988

Fermentation, using bacteria or yeast is the least expensive way to produce coQ10

The fermented process yields an all trans form of coQ10 which is the same form found in the body.

Manufacture

http://www.kanekaq10.com/

• People with the largest deficiency of CoQ10 seem to derive the greatest benefit from supplemental CoQ10. As people age or smoke, their cellular levels of CoQ10 go down.

• Hypertension: 100-200 mg/day

• Angina: 150 mg/day

• To reduce risk of 2nd MI: 120 mg/day

Efficacy & Dosage

http://www.dailytravelphotos.com/archive/2010/10/18/

Safety• Generally safe, however daily usage of

greater than 300 mg/day for long periods may cause elevated liver enzymes.

• Contraindicated for use with anticoagulants.

• Patients with liver disease should not use coQ10.

• In less than 1% of patients, GI distress, appetite suppression, heartburn and allergic rash have been reported

Availability & Cost• Prices range from $5- $170

• Least expensive option is to buy Coq10 on its own, but must take with lipids

• A good compromise between cost and absorption is a soft gel with the product suspended in some type of oil.

• Highest cost/ best absorption : "enhanced solubility"

bodykind.com

Overall impression• Generally recognized as safe

• May boost energy on a cellular level

• Slightly high cost, but enhanced solubility option might be worth it.

• This supplement receives a rating because its efficacy has been proven and it is fairly safe to take.