Niacin
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Niacin (Vitamin B3 / Nicotinic Acid) is a dietary supplement with 9 published peer-reviewed studies involving 8,650 participants, researched for Cholesterol Management, Cardiovascular Health, Skin Health and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Cholesterol Management
ModerateCardiovascular Health
ModerateSkin Health
ModerateEnergy Metabolism
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Cholesterol Management
To evaluate the effect of extended-release niacin on HDL cholesterol and cardiovascular events in statin-treated patients.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of extended-release niacin on HDL cholesterol and cardiovascular events in statin-treated patients.
Dose
2,000 mg/day extended-release niacin
Participants
3,414 adults with established cardiovascular disease on statin therapy
Duration
3 years
Results
Niacin significantly raised HDL-C by 25% and lowered triglycerides by 28.6%. However, no incremental cardiovascular benefit was observed beyond statin therapy alone in this population.
How They Measured It
Lipid panels, major adverse cardiovascular events
To evaluate niacin's effects on lipid profiles across multiple randomised trials.
Study Type
Meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate niacin's effects on lipid profiles across multiple randomised trials.
Dose
1,000-3,000 mg/day niacin
Participants
Over 5,000 patients across included trials
Duration
Various
Results
Niacin consistently raised HDL-C (average +16-23%) and lowered LDL-C (-5-25%) and triglycerides (-10-30%) across studies. The lipid-modifying effect is well established.
How They Measured It
Pooled changes in HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides
To compare immediate-release versus extended-release niacin on lipid outcomes and tolerability.
Study Type
Randomised, controlled trial
Purpose
To compare immediate-release versus extended-release niacin on lipid outcomes and tolerability.
Dose
1,500 mg/day immediate-release or extended-release niacin
Participants
269 patients with dyslipidaemia
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Both formulations improved lipid profiles similarly. Extended-release niacin caused significantly less flushing, but immediate-release had lower risk of elevated liver enzymes.
How They Measured It
Lipid panels, flushing incidence, liver function tests
Cardiovascular Health
To examine the effect of niacin on coronary artery disease progression.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To examine the effect of niacin on coronary artery disease progression.
Dose
3,000 mg/day niacin with colestipol
Participants
162 men with coronary artery disease
Duration
4 years
Results
Niacin/colestipol combination significantly slowed coronary atherosclerosis progression and was associated with regression of lesions in a subset of patients. HDL-C increased by 37%.
How They Measured It
Coronary angiography, HDL-C levels
To assess the long-term mortality benefit of niacin therapy.
Study Type
Prospective cohort study
Purpose
To assess the long-term mortality benefit of niacin therapy.
Dose
3,000 mg/day niacin
Participants
1,119 men (from Coronary Drug Project)
Duration
15 years (post-trial follow-up)
Results
Long-term follow-up of the Coronary Drug Project showed niacin-treated patients had 11% lower all-cause mortality compared to placebo at 15 years, suggesting a lasting cardiovascular mortality benefit.
How They Measured It
All-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality at 15-year follow-up
Skin Health
To evaluate topical niacinamide effects on skin appearance (note: closely related nicotinamide form).
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate topical niacinamide effects on skin appearance (note: closely related nicotinamide form).
Dose
5% topical niacin/niacinamide cream
Participants
50 women with photoaged skin
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Niacin/niacinamide formulation significantly improved skin texture, reduced hyperpigmentation, and improved barrier function compared to vehicle control.
How They Measured It
Skin barrier function, sebum production, blotchiness scores
Energy Metabolism
To describe the role of niacin (NAD+) in cellular energy production.
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To describe the role of niacin (NAD+) in cellular energy production.
Dose
N/A
Participants
N/A
Duration
N/A
Results
Niacin is an essential precursor to NAD+ and NADP+, coenzymes critical for over 400 enzymatic reactions including glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Adequate niacin is essential for cellular energy production.
How They Measured It
Literature review of mechanistic studies
To evaluate niacin supplementation on NAD+ levels and mitochondrial function in older adults.
Study Type
Randomised, controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate niacin supplementation on NAD+ levels and mitochondrial function in older adults.
Dose
250 mg/day nicotinic acid
Participants
42 older adults
Duration
10 weeks
Results
Niacin supplementation significantly increased whole-blood NAD+ and skeletal muscle NAD+ levels. Improvements in mitochondrial respiration capacity were observed, supporting niacin's role in energy metabolism.
How They Measured It
Blood NAD+ levels, skeletal muscle NAD+ content, mitochondrial bioenergetics
To examine how niacin deficiency affects oxidative phosphorylation in muscle tissue.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To examine how niacin deficiency affects oxidative phosphorylation in muscle tissue.
Dose
Niacin-deficient diet
Participants
Sprague-Dawley rats
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Niacin-deficient animals showed significantly impaired mitochondrial complex I activity and reduced NAD+/NADH ratios in muscle tissue. Repletion with niacin fully restored mitochondrial function.
How They Measured It
Mitochondrial enzyme complex activity, NAD+/NADH ratio in muscle tissue
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Niacin research
There are currently 11 peer-reviewed studies on Niacin (Vitamin B3 / Nicotinic Acid), involving 8,650 total participants. Research covers Cholesterol management, Cardiovascular health, Skin health and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Niacin has been researched for: Cholesterol management, Cardiovascular health, Skin health, Energy metabolism. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 11 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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