Which of the following is an example of niacin?

• A. Nicotinic acid
• B. Extended-release niacin (Niaspan)
• C. Niacinamide
• D. Niacinamide and nicotinic acid combination

Answer: (B)

Niacin refers to vitamin B3 and comes in several forms. An extended-release formulation of nicotinic acid is a clinically used form of niacin, designed to release the active molecule slowly to lower lipids while reducing flushing. Niaspan, the branded extended-release niacin, is therefore a clear example of niacin in practice.

Nicotinic acid itself is also niacin, but the question highlights a specific marketed product, making the extended-release form the best illustration. Niacinamide is another form of vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) but it serves different purposes and is not the classic niacin used for lipid management. A combination of niacinamide and nicotinic acid is not a single niacin product, so it’s not the typical example of niacin.