Vitamin B3 is one of eight B vitamins. As a supplement, niacin may help ease arthritis, boost brain function and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, among many other benefits. In their 2018 report, these two professional societies stated what although niacin may be useful in some cases of severe hypertriglyceridemia, it has only mild LDL-lowering effects. It is also known as vitamin B3 and helps keep your nervous system, digestive system and skin healthy. Of these 3 types of niacin, it is the first type listed – niacin (also called nicotinic acid) – that has most of the published peer reviewed evidence for helping cholesterol. Niacin is also useful for the treatment of elevated serum TG levels. Niacin in patients with low HDL cholesterol levels receiving intensive statin therapy [published correction appears in N Engl J Med. 2011;365(24):2255–2267. Studies also show that niacin can improve… At significantly higher doses it is used to treat hyperlipidemia — or high cholesterol — and lower the risk of cardiovascular health concerns. 2012; 367(2)189]. Niacin can be confusing because the names sound alike. Niacin, generally known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs to the vitamin B complex. (Their joint statement about monitoring supplement users who take niacin to reduce hyperlipidemia risk for adverse effects is described in the Health Risks from Excessive Niacin section below.) An extended-release form of niacin (Niaspan) has the same beneficial lipid-altering effects as standard niacin. This B3 vitamin is also commonly known as as niacin or nicotinic acid. Niacin is a B vitamin commonly used by your body to turn food into energy. One well known side effect of niacin is a flushing of the skin. Alcohol might increase the risk of liver problems. N Engl J Med . 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