Niacin Supports Cardiovascular Health

Niacin, or vitamin B3, has long been known as an important nutrient for maintaining cardiovascular health. It plays important roles in healthy cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, plus overall circulatory health.

Niacin is a very helpful nutrient to human metabolism and energy production. Your cellular engines (mitochondria) convert food to energy (ATP) through a complex process of many steps, similar to a production line in a factory. When someone on the production line is not functioning up to par it affects everything else down the line.

Niacin is the backbone of two key enzymes (workers on the production line) known as NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) who perform an important role in how your cells make energy. They are also team players, helping as many as 200 other energy-related enzymes do their work. The ability of your body to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins and use them to make energy is dependent on having adequate niacin.

Niacin is best known for its role in cardiovascular health and supporting HDL cholesterol metabolism. It helps you maintain healthy levels of HDL and its very important component, ApoA1. Its role in widening your blood vessels and helping your arteries to relax naturally is an important aspect in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Plus, niacin also plays a role in helping your body metabolize triglycerides in a healthy way.