Glossary
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found throughout your body that is a key component of cell membranes. It is mainly made by the liver and other tissues, but cholesterol can be absorbed from dietary sources.3
“Flush-free” niacin
“Flush-free” types of niacin formulas that contain ingredients such as inositol hexaniacinate, inositol hexanicotinate, or nicotinamide may not cause flushing, but these types of niacin are not clinically proven to support good cholesterol (HDL).8
Flushing
Flushing is a term used to describe a typically harmless sensation of temporary itching and tingling, feelings of warmth and headache that commonly occur when taking niacin, especially immediate-release niacin.7
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
These particles are thought to carry cholesterol back to the liver for removal from the body. HDL is considered good cholesterol. With HDL, higher numbers are better. A normal level of HDL is higher than 40 mg/dL.4
Lipoprotein
Lipoprotein particles are made up of cholesterol and protein and help move cholesterol through the bloodstream.3
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
LDL is the major type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol in the bloodstream throughout the body. LDL is considered bad cholesterol. An optimal level of LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL.4
Niacin, or nicotinic acid
Niacin, or nicotinic acid, is a type of B vitamin that aids in the function of the digestive system, skin, and nervous system. Niacin, or nicotinic acid, can also help support good cholesterol (HDL) levels.2,5
Total cholesterol
Total cholesterol is an approximate measure of all the cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. An ideal level of total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL.3
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food as well as in the body. A normal level of triglycerides is less than 150 mg/dL.3
Vasodilation
Vasodilation is the temporary widening of blood vessels resulting from relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls.9