Which statement best describes niacin's effect on lipids?

Which statement best describes niacin's effect on lipids?

• A. Lowers LDL and triglycerides and raises HDL.
• B. Raises LDL and triglycerides and lowers HDL.
• C. Lowers HDL and raises LDL.
• D. Has no effect on lipid levels.

Answer: (C)

Niacin raises HDL cholesterol, lowers triglycerides, and can modestly lower LDL cholesterol. The standout effect is an increase in HDL, with a meaningful reduction in triglycerides, while LDL reduction is typically smaller. Mechanistically, niacin inhibits hepatic VLDL production, which lowers triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and downstream LDL, and it also increases HDL by reducing its clearance and boosting apoA-I. So the statement that niacin lowers HDL and raises LDL contradicts these effects. The correct takeaway is that niacin elevates HDL, lowers triglycerides, and modestly lowers LDL.

Niacin raises HDL cholesterol, lowers triglycerides, and can modestly lower LDL cholesterol. The standout effect is an increase in HDL, with a meaningful reduction in triglycerides, while LDL reduction is typically smaller. Mechanistically, niacin inhibits hepatic VLDL production, which lowers triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and downstream LDL, and it also increases HDL by reducing its clearance and boosting apoA-I. So the statement that niacin lowers HDL and raises LDL contradicts these effects. The correct takeaway is that niacin elevates HDL, lowers triglycerides, and modestly lowers LDL.