Niacin is widely studied for its ability to alter lipid profiles, specifically by decreasing LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL-cholesterol. However, recent large-scale evidence suggests its role in preventing major cardiovascular events is limited and may involve inflammatory pathways.

Evidence by Condition

Cholesterol/Cardiovascular Disease Moderate

While niacin effectively alters lipid levels, meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials show limited benefit in preventing major cardiovascular events (PMID: 28616955, 25038074).

Skin (Acne and Skin Cancer) Moderate

Topical nicotinamide is used in acne treatments, and oral nicotinamide shows promise in the chemoprophylaxis of skin cancer and actinic keratoses (PMID: 32356369, 35134311).

Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Insufficient

Evidence regarding the efficacy of oral nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism is still emerging (PMID: 39116016).

Effective Doses

Dose ranges not explicitly stated in the provided research abstracts.

Key Findings

Niacin decreases LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides and increases HDL-cholesterol levels (PMID: 28616955).
A terminal metabolite of niacin may promote vascular inflammation and contribute to cardiovascular disease risk (PMID: 38374343).
Nicotinamide is effective in the chemoprophylaxis of skin cancer and actinic keratoses (PMID: 35134311).

Limitations

There is significant debate regarding the cardiovascular benefits of niacin monotherapy versus its use as an add-on to statin therapy, with recent studies suggesting potential inflammatory risks.

Safety & Interactions

Recent evidence suggests that a terminal metabolite of niacin may promote vascular inflammation, potentially contributing to cardiovascular disease risk (PMID: 38374343).

AI-generated summary from 241 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.

Dietary Reference Intakes

Source: IOM/NAM Dietary Reference Intakes · Dietary Reference Intakes: Niacin (Vitamin B3, NE)

Drug-Supplement Interactions

Simvastatin 🔴 Critical

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Simvastatin

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Acetohexamide 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Acetohexamide

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Albiglutide 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Albiglutide

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Alcohol 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Ethanol, Ethanol

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Antidiabetic Drugs 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Niacin can increase insulin resistance and raise blood glucose levels, counteracting diabetes medications.

Effect: Worsening glycemic control; increased insulin requirements

Management: Monitor blood glucose closely. Use low-dose niacin (<2g/day) if needed.

Evidence: well-established

Asparaginase Escherichia coli 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Asparaginase Escherichia coli

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Brentuximab vedotin 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Brentuximab vedotin

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Ertugliflozin 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Ertugliflozin

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Insulin aspart (aspart protamine) 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Insulin aspart (aspart protamine)

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Insulin aspart (aspart) 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Insulin aspart (aspart)

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Insulin degludec 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Insulin degludec

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Insulin detemir 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Insulin detemir

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Insulin glargine 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Insulin glargine

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Insulin glulisine 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Insulin glulisine

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Insulin human 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Insulin human

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Insulin human (inhalation, rapid acting) 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Insulin human (inhalation, rapid acting)

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Insulin human (isophane) 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Insulin human (isophane)

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Insulin human (regular) 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Insulin human (regular)

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Insulin human (zinc extended) 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Insulin human (zinc extended)

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Insulin human (zinc) 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Insulin human (zinc)

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Insulin lispro 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Insulin lispro

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Insulin lispro (protamine) 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Insulin lispro (protamine)

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Lixisenatide 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Lixisenatide

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Miglitol 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Miglitol

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Naltrexone 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Naltrexone

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Pramlintide 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Pramlintide

Effect: See mechanism description

Management: Consult healthcare provider before combining.

Evidence: ddinter-verified

Statins 🟡 Moderate

Mechanism: Niacin + statins synergistically increase myopathy risk, especially at niacin doses >1g/day.

Effect: Increased myopathy risk; possible rhabdomyolysis

Management: Monitor CK levels. Limit niacin to <1g/day with statins.

Evidence: well-established

Anticoagulants 🟢 Minor

Mechanism: Niacin may have mild antiplatelet effects at high doses.

Effect: Possible additive bleeding risk at very high doses

Management: Monitor INR if on warfarin with high-dose niacin. Minor concern at typical doses.

Evidence: possible

⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.

Claims vs. Evidence

100% Evidence-Backed

0% Unsupported

86% Structure/Function

Claim Type	% of Products	Evidence Required	Status
All Other	97%	Tier D (Unclassified)	✅ Supported
Structure/Function	86%	Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval))	✅ Supported
Nutrient	36%	Tier D (Unknown)	✅ Supported
No Claim	1%	Tier D (No claim on label)	✅ Supported
Qualified Health	0%	Tier B (FDA Qualified Health Claim)	✅ Supported
Approved Health	0%	Tier A (FDA Approved Health Claim (21 CFR 101.9))	✅ Supported

🏛️ NIH ODS Factsheet

Niacin

Research by Topic

Niacin 190 studies

MET Use of high potency statins and rates of admission for acute...

MET Meta-analysis and imputation refines the association of 15q2...

MET Genome-wide meta-analyses identify multiple loci associated ...

+187 more

Niacin Cholesterol 15 studies

MET Niacin for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascula...

MET Effect on cardiovascular risk of high density lipoprotein ta...

MET A terminal metabolite of niacin promotes vascular inflammati...

+12 more

Niacin Skin 7 studies

MET Effect of Nicotinamide in Skin Cancer and Actinic Keratoses ...

RCT A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer C...

RCT Omega-3 supplementation improves depressive symptoms, cognit...

+4 more

Nicotinamide Riboside 7 studies

RCT Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolera...

RCT Effect of nicotinamide riboside on airway inflammation in CO...

RCT Safety and Metabolism of Long-term Administration of NIAGEN ...

+4 more

Nmn 6 studies

MET Efficacy of oral nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation...

RCT Ingestion of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide increased blood N...

RCT Nicotinamide mononucleotide increases muscle insulin sensiti...

+3 more

Niacin Atherosclerosis 4 studies

SYS The comparative impact among different intensive statins and...

RCT Beneficial effects of colestipol-niacin on coronary atherosc...

RCT Beneficial effects of combined colestipol-niacin therapy on ...

+1 more

Zinc Skin 2 studies

MET Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur,...

SYS Evidence-based topical treatments (azelaic acid, salicylic a...

Dietary Supplement General 2 studies

CLI Effect of 'Nicotinamide Mononucleotide' (NMN) on Cardiometab...

CLI Effects of Niacin Therapy on Lipoprotein Composition and Fun...

Vitamin E 1 studies

SYS Comparative effects of vitamin and mineral supplements in th...

Ala Diabetes 1 studies

RCT Efficacy and Safety of the Combination of Palmitoylethanolam...

Vitamin B6 1 studies

SYS Demand for Water-Soluble Vitamins in a Group of Patients wit...

Vitamin D 1 studies

CLI Improvement of the Nutritional Status Regarding Nicotinamide...

Creatine Aging 1 studies

RCT A randomized placebo-controlled trial of nicotinamide ribosi...

Vitamin C Skin 1 studies

RCT Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Serum Containing Niacinamide...

Vitamin C 1 studies

CLI Niacin Supplementation in Healthy Controls and Mitochondrial...

Garcinia 1 studies

RCT Effects of a natural extract of (-)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA-...

⚠️ FDA Safety Data

Adverse Event Profile: Niacin

Research Evidence (241)

Meta Analysis: 113 Systematic Review: 75 Rct: 32 Clinical Trial: 11 Other: 3 Regulatory Source: 3 Cochrane Review: 1 Narrative Review: 1 Openfda Safety: 1

A Niacin for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events

Meta Analysis The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2017 n=39195

BACKGROUND: Nicotinic acid (niacin) is known to decrease LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides, and increase HDL-cholesterol levels. The evidence of benefits with niacin monotherapy or add-on to statin-based therapy is controversial. OBJECTIVES: To asse...

PubMed DOI Cochrane

A Use of high potency statins and rates of admission for acute kidney injury: multicenter, retrospective observational analysis of administrative databases

Meta Analysis BMJ (Clinical research ed.) 2013 n=2067639

**Dormuth et al., 2013** | BMJ | Meta Analysis Dormuth Colin R, Hemmelgarn Brenda R, ... Ernst Pierre. Use of high potency statins and rates of admission for acute kidney injury: multicenter, retrospective observational analysis of administrative dat...

PubMed DOI

A Effect on cardiovascular risk of high density lipoprotein targeted drug treatments niacin, fibrates, and CETP inhibitors: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials including 117,411 patients

Meta Analysis BMJ (Clinical research ed.) 2014 n=117411

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects on cardiovascular outcomes of drug interventions that increase high density lipoprotein levels. DESIGN: Meta-analysis. STUDIES REVIEWED: Therapeutic benefit of niacin, fibrates, and cholesteryl ester transfer pro...

PubMed DOI

A A terminal metabolite of niacin promotes vascular inflammation and contributes to cardiovascular disease risk

Meta Analysis Nature medicine 2024 n=1162

Despite intensive preventive cardiovascular disease (CVD) efforts, substantial residual CVD risk remains even for individuals receiving all guideline-recommended interventions. Niacin is an essential micronutrient fortified in food staples, but its r...

PubMed DOI

A Meta-analysis and imputation refines the association of 15q25 with smoking quantity

Meta Analysis Nature genetics 2010 n=41150

**Liu et al., 2010** | Nat Genet | Meta Analysis Liu Jason Z, Tozzi Federica, ... Marchini Jonathan. Meta-analysis and imputation refines the association of 15q25 with smoking quantity. Nat Genet. 2010-May;42(5):436-40. doi:10.1038/ng.572 Smoking is ...

PubMed DOI

A Genome-wide meta-analyses identify multiple loci associated with smoking behavior

Meta Analysis Nature genetics 2010 n=74053

**Unknown et al., 2010** | Nat Genet | Meta Analysis . Genome-wide meta-analyses identify multiple loci associated with smoking behavior. Nat Genet. 2010-May;42(5):441-7. doi:10.1038/ng.571 Consistent but indirect evidence has implicated genetic fact...

PubMed DOI

A Antidepressants for smoking cessation

Meta Analysis The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2014 n=13728

**Hughes et al., 2014** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Hughes John R, Stead Lindsay F, ... Lancaster Tim. Antidepressants for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014-Jan-08;2014(1):CD000031. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000031.pub...

PubMed DOI

A Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne

Meta Analysis The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2020 n=351

BACKGROUND: Acne is an inflammatory disorder with a high global burden. It is common in adolescents and primarily affects sebaceous gland-rich areas. The clinical benefit of the topical acne treatments azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulp...

PubMed DOI Cochrane

B Assessment of the Role of Niacin in Managing Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Meta Analysis JAMA network open 2019 n=760

IMPORTANCE: Niacin remains a therapeutic option for patients with cardiovascular disease, but recent studies have called into question the effectiveness of other drugs that increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. OBJECTIVE: To systemati...

PubMed DOI

B Association Between Lowering LDL-C and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Among Different Therapeutic Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Meta Analysis JAMA 2016 n=175

**Silverman et al., 2016** | JAMA | Meta Analysis Silverman Michael G, Ference Brian A, ... Sabatine Marc S. Association Between Lowering LDL-C and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Among Different Therapeutic Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-...

PubMed DOI

B Niacin in patients with low HDL cholesterol levels receiving intensive statin therapy

Rct The New England journal of medicine 2011 n=3414

BACKGROUND: In patients with established cardiovascular disease, residual cardiovascular risk persists despite the achievement of target low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels with statin therapy. It is unclear whether extended-release niac...

PubMed DOI

B Bupropion for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults

Meta Analysis The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2017 n=438

**Verbeeck et al., 2017** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Verbeeck Wim, Bekkering Geertruida E, ... Kramers Cornelis. Bupropion for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017-Oct-02;10(10)...

PubMed DOI

B Efficacy of oral nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism for adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials

Meta Analysis Critical reviews in food science and nutrition 2025 n=513

**Zhang et al., 2025** | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Meta Analysis Zhang Jiaqi, Poon Eric Tsz-Chun, Wong Stephen Heung-Sang. Efficacy of oral nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism for adults: a systematic review wit...

PubMed DOI

B Lipid-lowering agents for nephrotic syndrome

Meta Analysis The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2013 n=203

**Kong et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Kong Xiangyu, Yuan Hao, ... Jiang Lanhui. Lipid-lowering agents for nephrotic syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013-Dec-10;2013(12):CD005425. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005425.pub2 B...

PubMed DOI

B Effect of Nicotinamide in Skin Cancer and Actinic Keratoses Chemoprophylaxis, and Adverse Effects Related to Nicotinamide: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Meta Analysis Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery 2022 n=3039

**Mainville et al., 2022** | J Cutan Med Surg | Meta Analysis Mainville Laurence, Smilga Anne-Sophie, Fortin Paul R. Effect of Nicotinamide in Skin Cancer and Actinic Keratoses Chemoprophylaxis, and Adverse Effects Related to Nicotinamide: A Systemat...

PubMed DOI

B Effect of lipid-lowering therapies on lipoprotein(a) levels: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Meta Analysis Atherosclerosis 2025 n=145314

**Xie et al., 2025** | Atherosclerosis | Meta Analysis Xie Sining, Galimberti Federica, ... Casula Manuela. Effect of lipid-lowering therapies on lipoprotein(a) levels: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Atherosclerosis. 2...

PubMed DOI

B Cholesterol reduction yields clinical benefits: meta-analysis including recent trials

Meta Analysis Clinical therapeutics 2007 n=216616

**Gould et al., 2007** | Clin Ther | Meta Analysis Gould A Lawrence, Davies Glenn M, ... Cook John R. Cholesterol reduction yields clinical benefits: meta-analysis including recent trials. Clin Ther. 2007-May;29(5):778-794. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.20...

PubMed DOI

B Role of Niacin in Current Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review

Systematic Review The American journal of medicine 2017 n=35206

**Garg et al., 2017** | Am J Med | Systematic Review Garg Aakash, Sharma Abhishek, ... Sikorskaya Ekaterina. Role of Niacin in Current Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review. Am J Med. 2017-Feb;130(2):173-187. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2016.07.038 BACKGRO...

PubMed DOI

B Meta-analysis of the relationship between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction and coronary heart disease risk

Meta Analysis Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2009 n=100827

**Robinson et al., 2009** | J Am Coll Cardiol | Meta Analysis Robinson Jennifer G, Wang Songfeng, ... Jacobson Terry A. Meta-analysis of the relationship between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction and coronary heart disease risk. J Am...

PubMed DOI

B Weight gain in smokers after quitting cigarettes: meta-analysis

Meta Analysis BMJ (Clinical research ed.) 2012 n=62

**Aubin et al., 2012** | BMJ | Meta Analysis Aubin Henri-Jean, Farley Amanda, ... Aveyard Paul. Weight gain in smokers after quitting cigarettes: meta-analysis. BMJ. 2012-Jul-10;345:e4439. doi:10.1136/bmj.e4439 OBJECTIVE: To describe weight gain and ...

PubMed DOI

B Large-scale association analysis identifies new lung cancer susceptibility loci and heterogeneity in genetic susceptibility across histological subtypes

Meta Analysis Nature genetics 2017

**McKay et al., 2017** | Nat Genet | Meta Analysis McKay James D, Hung Rayjean J, ... Amos Christopher I. Large-scale association analysis identifies new lung cancer susceptibility loci and heterogeneity in genetic susceptibility across histological ...

PubMed DOI

B Association studies of up to 1.2 million individuals yield new insights into the genetic etiology of tobacco and alcohol use

Meta Analysis Nature genetics 2019

**Liu et al., 2019** | Nat Genet | Meta Analysis Liu Mengzhen, Jiang Yu, ... Vrieze Scott. Association studies of up to 1.2 million individuals yield new insights into the genetic etiology of tobacco and alcohol use. Nat Genet. 2019-Feb;51(2):237-244...

PubMed DOI

B Effects of high-density lipoprotein targeting treatments on cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Meta Analysis European journal of preventive cardiology 2019 n=154601

**Riaz et al., 2019** | Eur J Prev Cardiol | Meta Analysis Riaz Haris, Khan Safi U, ... Nissen Steven E. Effects of high-density lipoprotein targeting treatments on cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2...

PubMed DOI

B Effectiveness of niacin supplementation for patients with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Meta Analysis Medicine 2020 n=2110

**Xiang et al., 2020** | Medicine (Baltimore) | Meta Analysis Xiang Dan, Zhang Qian, Wang Yang-Tian. Effectiveness of niacin supplementation for patients with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 202...

PubMed DOI

B Meta-analysis of comparison of effectiveness of lowering apolipoprotein B versus low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and nonhigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol for cardiovascular risk reduction in randomized trials

Meta Analysis The American journal of cardiology 2012 n=131134

**Robinson et al., 2012** | Am J Cardiol | Meta Analysis Robinson Jennifer G, Wang Songfeng, Jacobson Terry A. Meta-analysis of comparison of effectiveness of lowering apolipoprotein B versus low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and nonhigh-density li...

PubMed DOI

B Neonicotinoid-Induced Neurotoxicity in Developing Brain: A Systematic Review

Systematic Review International journal of developmental neuroscience : the official journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience 2026 n=35

**Borkar et al., 2026** | Int J Dev Neurosci | Systematic Review Borkar Dhanshree Sayangrushi, Pande Dnyaneshwari Shivshankar, Yadav Rajesh Singh. Neonicotinoid-Induced Neurotoxicity in Developing Brain: A Systematic Review. Int J Dev Neurosci. 2026-...

PubMed DOI

B The current state of niacin in cardiovascular disease prevention: a systematic review and meta-regression

Meta Analysis Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2013 n=9959

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess the efficacy of niacin for reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, as indicated by the aggregate body of clinical trial evidence including data from the recently published AIM-HIGH (Atherothrombosis Inter...

PubMed DOI

B A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention

Rct The New England journal of medicine 2015 n=386

**Chen et al., 2015** | N Engl J Med | Rct Chen Andrew C, Martin Andrew J, ... Damian Diona L. A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention. N Engl J Med. 2015-Oct-22;373(17):1618-26. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1506197 BACKGROUND...

PubMed DOI

B Ultra-Processed Foods and Nutritional Dietary Profile: A Meta-Analysis of Nationally Representative Samples

Meta Analysis Nutrients 2021

**Martini et al., 2021** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Martini Daniela, Godos Justyna, ... Grosso Giuseppe. Ultra-Processed Foods and Nutritional Dietary Profile: A Meta-Analysis of Nationally Representative Samples. Nutrients. 2021-Sep-27;13(10). doi:...

PubMed DOI

B Comparative effects of vitamin and mineral supplements in the management of type 2 diabetes in primary care: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Systematic Review Pharmacological research 2023 n=14223

**Xia et al., 2023** | Pharmacol Res | Systematic Review Xia Jiayue, Yu Junhui, ... Sun Guiju. Comparative effects of vitamin and mineral supplements in the management of type 2 diabetes in primary care: A systematic review and network meta-analysis ...

PubMed DOI

B Ingestion of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide increased blood NAD levels, maintained walking speed, and improved sleep quality in older adults in a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled study

Rct GeroScience 2024 n=60

**Morifuji et al., 2024** | Geroscience | Rct Morifuji Masashi, Higashi Seiichiro, ... Nagata Masashi. Ingestion of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide increased blood NAD levels, maintained walking speed, and improved sleep quality in older adults in a do...

PubMed DOI

B Systematic review and meta-analyses of cytisine to support tobacco cessation

Meta Analysis Addiction (Abingdon, England) 2024 n=5194

**Puljević et al., 2024** | Addiction | Meta Analysis Puljević Cheneal, Stjepanović Daniel, ... Gartner Coral. Systematic review and meta-analyses of cytisine to support tobacco cessation. Addiction. 2024-Oct;119(10):1713-1725. doi:10.1111/add.16592 ...

PubMed DOI

B Effect of niacin therapy on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease

Meta Analysis Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology and therapeutics 2010 n=5137

BACKGROUND: Niacin or nicotinic acid (vitamin B3) raises the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) by about 30% to 35%. In patients with prior coronary disease, 7 trials have been published on clinical cardiovascular disease outcomes a...

PubMed DOI

B Interventions for bullous pemphigoid.

Cochrane Review The Cochrane database of systematic reviews

BACKGROUND: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune blistering disease in the West. Oral steroids are the standard treatment.This is an update of the review published in 2005. OBJECTIVES: To assess treatments for bullous pemphigoid. SEA...

PubMed DOI Cochrane

B Effects of add-on lipid-modifying therapy on top of background statin treatment on major cardiovascular events: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Meta Analysis International journal of cardiology 2015 n=109244

**Ip et al., 2015** | Int J Cardiol | Meta Analysis Ip Chi-kin, Jin Dong-mei, ... Geng Deng-feng. Effects of add-on lipid-modifying therapy on top of background statin treatment on major cardiovascular events: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled...

PubMed DOI

B Alpha-7 nicotinic agonists for cognitive deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders: A translational meta-analysis of rodent and human studies

Meta Analysis Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry 2017 n=2670

**Lewis et al., 2017** | Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry | Meta Analysis Lewis Alan S, van Schalkwyk Gerrit I, Bloch Michael H. Alpha-7 nicotinic agonists for cognitive deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders: A translational meta-analysis o...

PubMed DOI

B Definition of a tolerable upper intake level of niacin: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the dose-dependent effects of nicotinamide and nicotinic acid supplementation

Meta Analysis Nutrition reviews 2017 n=741

**Minto et al., 2017** | Nutr Rev | Meta Analysis Minto Clara, Vecchio Maria Gabriella, ... Gregori Dario. Definition of a tolerable upper intake level of niacin: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the dose-dependent effects of nicotinamide and...

PubMed DOI

B Neurotoxic Effects of Neonicotinoids on Mammals: What Is There beyond the Activation of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors?-A Systematic Review

Systematic Review International journal of molecular sciences 2021

**Costas-Ferreira et al., 2021** | Int J Mol Sci | Systematic Review Costas-Ferreira Carmen, Faro Lilian R F. Neurotoxic Effects of Neonicotinoids on Mammals: What Is There beyond the Activation of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors?-A Systematic Revi...

PubMed DOI

B Associations of different types of statins with the risk of open-angle glaucoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Systematic Review Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie 2025 n=262217

**Pan et al., 2025** | Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol | Systematic Review Pan Ssu-Yu, Chen Yun-Yu, ... Chou Chien-Chih. Associations of different types of statins with the risk of open-angle glaucoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. ...

PubMed DOI

B Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Association Between Daily Niacin Intake and Glaucoma

Meta Analysis Nutrients 2024

**Nicola et al., 2024** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Nicola Constantin Alin, Marinescu Maria Cristina, ... Turcu-Stiolica Adina. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Association Between Daily Niacin Intake and Glaucoma. Nutrients. 2024-Oct-23;16...

PubMed DOI

B Impact of conventional lipid-lowering therapy on circulating levels of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Meta Analysis Diabetes, obesity & metabolism 2026 n=1313

**Meng et al., 2026** | Diabetes Obes Metab | Meta Analysis Meng Lingyan, Huang Tianze, ... Jiao Liqun. Impact of conventional lipid-lowering therapy on circulating levels of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9: A systematic review and meta...

PubMed DOI

B Association between change in plasma triglyceride levels and risk of stroke and carotid atherosclerosis: systematic review and meta-regression analysis

Meta Analysis Atherosclerosis 2010 n=96807

**Labreuche et al., 2010** | Atherosclerosis | Meta Analysis Labreuche Julien, Deplanque Dominique, ... Amarenco Pierre. Association between change in plasma triglyceride levels and risk of stroke and carotid atherosclerosis: systematic review and me...

PubMed DOI

B Clinical benefit from pharmacological elevation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: meta-regression analysis

Meta Analysis Heart (British Cardiac Society) 2015 n=167311

**Hourcade-Potelleret et al., 2015** | Heart | Meta Analysis Hourcade-Potelleret F, Laporte S, ... Mismetti P. Clinical benefit from pharmacological elevation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: meta-regression analysis. Heart. 2015-Jun;101(11):...

PubMed DOI

B Effect of extended-release niacin on plasma lipoprotein(a) levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials

Meta Analysis Metabolism: clinical and experimental 2016 n=9013

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B Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD+ in healthy middle-aged and older adults

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B Exploring the role of low-frequency and rare exonic variants in alcohol and tobacco use

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B Systematic Review for the 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines

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B Transformation Products of Neonicotinoids: A Review of Human Exposure, Toxicity, and Health Risks

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B Systematic review: Effects of cholinergic signaling on cognition in human pharmacological studies

Systematic Review Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews 2025

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B Effect of different antilipidemic agents and diets on mortality: a systematic review

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PubMed

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Details

Niacin

Overview

Niacin is a essential nutrient tracked in the biomedical knowledge base.

Also known as: vitamin b3, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, niacinamide, nad precursor

Role in Health

Detailed overview pending — this entity has sources compiled across multiple verticals.

Related Verticals

See sources-index for all verified sources referencing Niacin.

Safety Considerations

Safety data extraction pending.

Sources

See linked source pages for full provenance.

Related Supplements

Nicotinamide Riboside 9 shared sources Nmn 8 shared sources Zinc 3 shared sources Electrolytes 3 shared sources Vitamin D 2 shared sources Vitamin C 2 shared sources Phosphorus 2 shared sources Calcium 2 shared sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Niacin and what is it used for?

Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is a nutrient used to alter lipid profiles by decreasing LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL-cholesterol. There is moderate evidence regarding its use for skin health, including acne treatments and the prevention of certain skin cancers.

Does Niacin help lower cholesterol?

There is moderate evidence that niacin can effectively change lipid levels by lowering LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides and raising HDL-cholesterol. However, recent large-scale studies suggest its ability to prevent major cardiovascular events is limited.

Can Niacin prevent skin cancer?

There is moderate evidence that oral nicotinamide shows promise in the prevention of skin cancer and actinic keratoses. Additionally, topical nicotinamide is frequently used in the treatment of acne.

Does NMN supplementation help with metabolism?

There is currently insufficient evidence to determine if oral nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation effectively improves glucose and lipid metabolism. Research in this area is still emerging.

Is Niacin safe to take?

Recent evidence suggests that a metabolite of niacin may promote vascular inflammation, which could potentially contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. You should consult a healthcare professional regarding the safety of niacin supplementation.

Are there any drug interactions with Niacin?

There is a moderate interaction between niacin and statins. Taking these together can increase the risk of myopathy (muscle disease), especially when niacin doses exceed 1 gram per day.

What is the recommended dose of Niacin?

Specific effective doses for supplementation are not explicitly stated in current research. However, the Dietary Reference Intake (RDA) for men aged 19-50 is 16 mg NE/day.

Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.