Niacin: complete India guide

India has one of the highest rates of micronutrient deficiency in the world — and the supplement market is growing fast to meet it. But with hundreds of products on Amazon.in and little regulation, knowing what to actually buy is harder than it should be. This guide covers Niacin from first principles: what it is, what the evidence says, and how to use it safely in an Indian context.

What is Niacin?

Niacin (vitamin B3, nicotinic acid) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that at pharmacological doses (1–3 g)

Niacin is relevant for anyone dealing with low HDL. It primarily acts on the liver.

How does Niacin work?

Niacin inhibits hepatic diacylglycerol acyltransferase-2 (DGAT2), reducing VLDL secretion and subsequent LDL formation.

Who should take Niacin?

Adults with low HDL and high triglycerides who cannot tolerate statins, individuals with familial dyslipidemia, those

The typical dose is 500–2000 mg daily. Evening

Safety and who should avoid it

People with active liver disease, gout (niacin raises uric acid), diabetes (may worsen glycemic control), pregnant

Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are on prescription medication or have an existing health condition.

How to combine Niacin

Niacin works well alongside bergamot. The Ayurvedic tradition has long used guggul for similar purposes — these can complement rather than replace each other.

Buying guide for India

When shopping on Amazon.in, prioritise products that clearly state:

• The standardised active compound percentage
• Third-party testing (NSF, USP, or Informed Sport)
• The form of Niacin (extract vs whole herb vs isolate)
• Vegetarian capsule certification if that matters to you

Generic “natural” or “herbal” labels without standardisation information are a red flag. The price difference between a well-made and a poorly-made Niacin supplement is often small — the difference in efficacy is not.

Bottom line

Niacin has Key citations: Abenavoli 2010 (hepatoprotection systematic review), Cacciapuoti 2013 (NAFLD RCT). ri for low HDL. Used consistently at the right dose, it is a reasonable addition to a wellness protocol for those dealing with these concerns.