I convinced my Dr. to take me off 20mg. of lipitor and put me on niacin therapy for my chol. problems.I will go back for tests in 3 months. Can 500-1000 mg. daily of slow release Niaspan effect my Atkins Diet weight loss efforts? I was reading it can effect energy metabolism and blood sugar. Is this usually a positive effect? Do I even need Niaspan when on this diet? Could I just use Atkins vita nutrient formulations for chol.? Walt