What is niacin?

What is niacin?

• A. A fat-soluble vitamin with no lipid effects.
• B. A water-soluble B vitamin that reduces hepatic VLDL synthesis, lowering LDL and triglycerides and raising HDL.
• C. A mineral supplement for bone health.
• D. A protein supplement used for muscle growth.

Answer: (B)

Niacin is a water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B3). In normal amounts it participates in energy metabolism as a cofactor for NAD/NADP. When used in higher, pharmacologic doses, it reduces hepatic VLDL production, which lowers LDL and triglycerides and raises HDL. This lipid-modifying action is why niacin is associated with dyslipidemia treatment. It is not a fat-soluble vitamin, nor a mineral supplement or a protein supplement.

Niacin is a water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B3). In normal amounts it participates in energy metabolism as a cofactor for NAD/NADP. When used in higher, pharmacologic doses, it reduces hepatic VLDL production, which lowers LDL and triglycerides and raises HDL. This lipid-modifying action is why niacin is associated with dyslipidemia treatment. It is not a fat-soluble vitamin, nor a mineral supplement or a protein supplement.