Niacin is vitamin B3. It was originally called the "PP" factor (pellagra prevention factor). It is involved in many metabolic processes and has been found to have a positive impact on cholesterol, lipid, and cardiovascular problems than any medicine or supplement.  

However, 2 studies—the HPS2-THRIVE and AIM HIGH—started a new debate on whether niacin is truly effective.

  • The problem with HPS2-THRIVE was laropiprant. Laropiprant is a popular medication used to stop niacin flush (a common side effect to taking niacin). But laropiprant appears to stop not only the flush but also the positive impacts of niacin.
  • AIM HIGH was another study that failed to show the positive impacts of niacin. There is a lot of debate regarding why. It ranges from the thought of niacin not working to problems with the AIM-HIGH's design.

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