Evidence from a study published in the January issue of Journal of Clinical Lipidology, reported that inositol hexanicotinate (IHN) is ineffective in managing high cholesterol. The study, which published clinical results comparing an extended-release form of niacin to IHN and a placebo, simultaneously confirms a wax-matrix form of extended release niacin can help lower cholesterol. 

The study examined 120 subjects with high cholesterol all of whom received instruction for a heart-healthy diet, and were monitored for diet, medication side effects, blood chemistries, blood lipids and dosing compliance throughout the study. Five subjects from each group were randomly selected for a pharmaco-kinetic sub-study in the research center. Blood tests over eight hours were used to measure the absorption rate and metabolism of the subjects’ first 500 mg dose of wax-matrix, extended release niacin in the form of Niamax (also known by the brand name Endur-Acin) and IHN. 

Results showed IHN and placebo produced no significant improvement in blood lipids. Conversely, wax-matrix niacin, demonstrated positive lipid benefits, reducing total cholesterol 11 %, LDL cholesterol 18%, non-HDL cholesterol 15% and triglycerides 9%. It also promoted an increase in HDL cholesterol by 12%. For further information: www.lonza.com