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Vitamin

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

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Vitamin B3 (Niacin). NAD+ precursor; nicotinic acid form lowers LDL and raises HDL.

How it works. Precursor to NAD+/NADP+; nicotinic acid binds GPR109A in adipocytes reducing lipolysis.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Lowers LDL and triglycerides at >1 g/d nicotinic acid (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 16 mg (general); 500–2000 mg nicotinic acid for lipids.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Hepatotoxicity >3 g/d.

Stacking. Pairs well with Omega-3, CoQ10, NAD+ precursor (NMN or NR).

Common forms. Available as Nicotinic acid (flushing), Niacinamide (no flush), Inositol hexanicotinate.

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Vitamin B3 (Niacin). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin). NAD+ precursor; nicotinic acid form lowers LDL and raises HDL.

Molecular structureC6H5NO2 · 123.11 g/mol

What it is

NAD+ precursor; nicotinic acid form lowers LDL and raises HDL.

Also called

Nicotinic acidNiacinamide

Food sources

MeatFishPeanutsMushrooms

Goals

Cardiovascular HealthHealthy AgingSkin, Hair & Nails

How it works

Precursor to NAD+/NADP+; nicotinic acid binds GPR109A in adipocytes reducing lipolysis.

Pathways

  • NAD+ biosynthesis
  • Lipid metabolism

Effects

  • ↓LDL & triglycerides (nicotinic acid) decreases
  • ↑HDL increases

What the research supports

Lowers LDL and triglycerides at >1 g/d nicotinic acidstrong
Niacinamide improves pellagrastrong

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
16 mg (general); 500–2000 mg nicotinic acid for lipids
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.
Best formMost evidence is based on the nicotinic acid (flushing) form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Flush (nicotinic acid)
  • Itching

Serious

  • Hepatotoxicity >3 g/d
  • Hyperuricemia

Medication interactions

Statinsmoderate

Slight myopathy risk increase.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Omega-3Anti-inflammatory cardiovascular synergy.
  • CoQ10Supports mitochondrial energetics in cardiac tissue.
  • NAD+ precursor (NMN or NR)Complementary mitochondrial and sirtuin support.

Common forms

  • Nicotinic acid (flushing)
  • Niacinamide (no flush)
  • Inositol hexanicotinate

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Vitamin B3 (Niacin) — Lowers LDL and triglycerides at >1 g/d nicotinic acid ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and "Lowers LDL and triglycerides at >1 g/d nicotinic acid". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Vitamin B3 (Niacin) — Niacinamide improves pellagra ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and "Niacinamide improves pellagra". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Vitamin B3 (Niacin) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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