Niacin: a Classic for Cardiovascular Health

Niacin—also known as nicotinic acid, or sometimes vitamin B3—is used by the body to turn carbohydrates into energy, while also helping to maintain the healthy function of the nervous system, digestive system, skin and eyes. As a key component in basic nutrition, niacin is often included as part of a daily multivitamin.

When taken in higher amounts, however, niacin has been shown to deliver much more specific health benefits by working to both increase the levels of HDL (or “good” cholesterol) in the bloodstream while also decreasing LDL (or “bad” cholesterol). In fact, niacin will raise HDL cholesterol levels by 15 to 35 percent on average, making niacin the most effective natural substance available for raising HDL cholesterol. Increased levels of HDL result in decreased levels of LDL, because one of the primary functions of HDL is to pick up excess LDL in the bloodstream and return it to the liver for disposal.

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