Vitamin B3

(Niacin and Metabolites),

Serum/Plasma

by LC-MS/MS

NMS Labs now offers a Vitamin B3 (Niacin and Metabolites) test in serum/plasma. This test provides the superior specificity of Tandem Mass Spectrometry coupled with the scientific experience of NMS Labs.

About Niacin

Niacin (Nicotinic Acid) is Vitamin B3, a water-soluble vitamin. It occurs naturally in plants and animals, and is also added to many foods as a vitamin supplement. Niacin can lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, and is also used to lower the risk of heart attack in people with high cholesterol who have already had a heart attack.

In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, niacin is a well-accepted treatment for high cholesterol. Multiple studies show that niacin (not niacinamide) has significant benefits on levels of high-density cholesterol (HDL or "good cholesterol"), with better results than prescription drugs such as "statins" like atorvastatin (Lipitor®). There are also benefits on levels of low-density cholesterol (LDL or "bad cholesterol"), although these effects are less dramatic. Adding niacin to a second drug such as a statin may increase the effects on low-density lipoproteins.The use of niacin for the treatment of dyslipidemia associated with type 2 diabetes has been controversial because of the possibility of worsening glycemic control. Patients should check with a physician and pharmacist before starting niacin.

More About the Test

Learn more about NMS Labs Vitamin B3 (Niacin and Metabolites) testing.

Find out about NMS Endocrinology testing, including the Aldosteronism Hypertension Panel.

Get more information from the National Institutes of Health, Medline Plus website.

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