Synopsis

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

Niacin (Vitamin B3) is scientifically validated for use in supporting or treating arteriosclerosis, primarily through its lipid-modifying effects. Niacin has been shown in multiple clinical trials to significantly raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and reduce triglyceride levels. Since dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for the development and progression of arteriosclerosis (the thickening and hardening of arterial walls due to plaque buildup), these effects provide a rationale for using niacin in this context.

The Coronary Drug Project (1975) was among the earliest large-scale studies to demonstrate that niacin therapy reduced the incidence of nonfatal myocardial infarction in men with previous heart attacks. Further studies, such as the HDL-Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (HATS), indicated that niacin, especially when combined with statins, could slow the progression of atherosclerosis as measured by coronary angiography. However, more recent trials (e.g., AIM-HIGH and HPS2-THRIVE) have questioned the additive benefits of niacin when used with contemporary statin therapy, noting no significant reduction in cardiovascular events despite improvements in lipid profiles.

Overall, while niacin is no longer considered first-line therapy for arteriosclerosis due to concerns about side effects and limited incremental benefit over statins, there is substantial scientific evidence that it can favorably impact lipid parameters associated with atherosclerosis risk. Thus, its historical and ongoing medical use is grounded in scientific research.

More about Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
More about Arteriosclerosis

Other ingredients used for Arteriosclerosis

Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Products containing Vitamin B3 (Niacin)