Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin (nicotinic acid), has scientific support for its use in the management of arteriosclerosis, particularly in the context of its effects on lipid profiles. Niacin has been shown in multiple clinical studies to reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, while significantly raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. These effects are relevant because dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for arteriosclerosis, which involves the thickening and hardening of arterial walls due to plaque buildup.

Several large trials, including the Coronary Drug Project (1975) and the HDL-Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (HATS, 2001), demonstrated that niacin can reduce cardiovascular events and slow the progression of atherosclerotic plaque when used as part of a treatment regimen. However, more recent studies (AIM-HIGH and HPS2-THRIVE) have called into question the additional benefit of niacin when added to statin therapy, especially in the context of modern lipid management. Nonetheless, niacin’s lipid-modifying effects are well documented, and it has FDA approval for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

The use of "mixed" forms of vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid and nicotinamide) is relevant because only nicotinic acid has demonstrated lipid-lowering effects; nicotinamide does not. Therefore, when using vitamin B3 for arteriosclerosis, the nicotinic acid form is essential. Side effects, such as flushing and potential liver toxicity, have limited its widespread use. Overall, the scientific foundation for its use in arteriosclerosis is strong, though its clinical application has become more selective.

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