Compound Monograph
Nicotinic acid (B3)
Nicotinic acid, or niacin, is a form of vitamin B3 and a precursor to the coenzymes NAD and NADP.
Classification
Nicotinic acid is a pyridine carboxylic acid (vitamin b3 form), part of the vitamins & minerals class. Essential micronutrients — vitamins and the mineral content plants concentrate from the soil.
Where Does It Come From? (4)
Nicotinic acid is a naturally occurring (and made in the body) pyridine carboxylic acid (vitamin b3 form), found in Meat, fish and poultry, Whole grains, Legumes, peanuts and yeast and 1 other source. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Nicotinic acid (niacin) is one of the two principal forms of vitamin B3 and, like nicotinamide, serves as a precursor to the coenzymes NAD+ and NADP+, which are essential to cellular energy metabolism. Dietary deficiency causes pellagra. In addition to its vitamin role, nicotinic acid has long been used at pharmacological doses to modify blood lipids, where it can raise HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides. A well-known effect of larger doses is a transient skin “flush” — warmth and reddening of the face and upper body — caused by the release of prostaglandins.
Toxicity & Safety
At dietary levels nicotinic acid is safe and necessary. High therapeutic doses can cause flushing, itching, gastrointestinal upset and, occasionally, effects on the liver and blood sugar, so they are normally used only under medical supervision.