The effect of niacin on inflammatory markers and adipokines: a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies

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#niacin #humans #adipokines #biomarkers #inflammation

The effect of niacin on inflammatory markers and adipokines: a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies

Rad et al., 2024 | Eur J Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Rad Esmaeil Yousefi, Saboori Somayeh, ... Coe Shelly. The effect of niacin on inflammatory markers and adipokines: a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies. Eur J Nutr. 2024-Sep;63(6):2011-2024. doi:10.1007/s00394-024-03425-8

Abstract

PURPOSE: Niacin (nicotinic acid), known for its lipid-modifying effects, has been explored for its potential anti-inflammatory properties and potential to affect adipokines secretion from adipose tissue. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effects of niacin on inflammatory markers and adipokines. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across five databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, and ISI Web of Science. Randomized controlled trials exploring the effects of niacin on inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) and adipokines (Adiponectin, Leptin) were included. Pooled effect sizes were analysed using a random-effects model, and additional procedures including subgroup analyses, sensitivity analysis and dose-response analysis were also performed. RESULTS: From an initial 1279 articles, fifteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Niacin administration demonstrated a notable reduction in CRP levels (SMD: -0.88, 95% CI: -1.46 to -0.30, p = 0.003). Subgroup analyses confirmed CRP reductions in trials with intervention durations ≤ 24 weeks, doses ≤ 1000 mg/day, and elevated baseline CRP levels (> 3 mg/l). The meta-analysis of IL-6 and TNF-α revealed significant TNF-α reductions, while IL-6 reduction did not reach statistical significance. Niacin administration also substantially elevated Adiponectin (SMD: 3.52, 95% CI: 0.95 to 6.1, p = 0.007) and Leptin (SMD: 1.90, 95% CI: 0.03 to 3.77, p = 0.04) levels. CONCLUSION: Niacin treatment is associated with significant reductions in CRP and TNF-α levels, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, niacin positively influences adipokines, increasing Adiponectin and Leptin levels. These findings provide insights for future research and clinical applications targeting inflammation and metabolic dysregulation.

Key Findings

From an initial 1279 articles, fifteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Niacin administration demonstrated a notable reduction in CRP levels (SMD: -0.88, 95% CI: -1.46 to -0.30, p = 0.003). Subgroup analyses confirmed CRP reductions in trials with intervention durations ≤ 24 weeks, doses ≤ 1000 mg/day, and elevated baseline CRP levels (> 3 mg/l). The meta-analysis of IL-6 and TNF-α revealed significant TNF-α reductions, while IL-6 reduction did not reach statistical significanc

Outcomes Measured

  • C-reactive protein
  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • Niacin
  • Humans
  • Adipokines
  • Biomarkers
  • Inflammation
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Leptin
  • Adiponectin

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: niacin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09