Raw Report from Gemini

Understanding Niacin (Vitamin B3) for Heart Health

Basic Overview

Niacin (Vitamin B3) is an essential nutrient that plays multiple roles in maintaining health. Key points:

• Water-soluble vitamin crucial for energy metabolism
• Helps convert food into glucose
• Important for nervous system, digestive system, and skin health
• Body can produce some niacin from tryptophan (found in proteins)

Forms of Niacin

There are three main forms of niacin:

• Nicotinic acid (traditional niacin)
  • Primary form for cholesterol management
  • Most effective for lipid modification
• Nicotinamide (niacinamide)
  • Doesn't affect cholesterol levels
  • Used mainly in skincare
• Nicotinamide riboside
  • Newer form being studied
  • Less effect on lipid profiles

How Niacin Works in the Body

After absorption, niacin converts to NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), which:

• Acts as cofactor for over 400 enzymes
• Supports energy transfer, DNA repair, and cell signaling
• Converts to NADP for additional metabolic functions

Effects on Cholesterol