Niacin Might Be More Effective for Women Than for Men

Niacin use improves all components of the lipid profile: It lowers triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) levels and raises HDL cholesterol levels. Some studies have suggested that women respond more favorably than men to niacin. In this meta-analysis, researchers pooled data from five randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trials of niacin to further evaluate possible sex differences in treatment response. The analysis involved 155 women and 277 men with dyslipidemia who received extended-release niacin (500-3000 mg/day).

At baseline, the women were significantly older than the men, had a significantly higher mean BMI, and had significantly higher mean lipoprotein(a), LDL, and HDL levels. After 12 to 25 weeks, LDL levels had de…