Nicotinic acid
Vitamin B3 vitamer used as a lipid-modifying medication.
Nicotinic acid, also known as niacin, is an organic compound and a vitamer of vitamin B3, an essential human nutrient. It is produced by plants and animals from the amino acid tryptophan. As a prescription medication, it is used to lower blood triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and raise high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Despite these lipid changes, systematic reviews have found that nicotinic acid does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in those already taking a statin drug, and it is associated with side effects including hepatotoxicity and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
- chemical formula
- C6H5NO2
- class
- Pyridinecarboxylic acid
- vitamin role
- Vitamer of vitamin B3
- dietary intake recommendation
- 14–18 mg/day for healthy adults
Lore & Background
Nicotinic acid is an organic compound with the formula C6H5NO2, belonging to the group of pyridinecarboxylic acids. It is a precursor for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), coenzymes involved in DNA repair and many hydrogen transfer processes. The term 'niacin' was originally coined from 'nicotinic acid vitamin' to distance the nutrient from nicotine in tobacco. In American English, 'niacin' also refers to high-dose prescription nicotinic acid; in other varieties of English, the medicine is only called 'nicotinic acid'.
Reader's Guide
Nicotinic acid is significant as both an essential nutrient and a prescription medication. As a vitamin, it prevents pellagra, with recommended intakes of 14–18 mg/day for healthy adults. It also carries risks of hepatotoxicity and new-onset type 2 diabetes. Dietary supplement nicotinic acid is sold over the counter but the American Heart Association advises against substituting it for prescription forms due to safety concerns.
Did You Know?
- Nicotinic acid is produced by plants and animals from the amino acid tryptophan.
- More than 30 mg of nicotinic acid as a dietary supplement can cause skin flushing due to vasodilation.
- Prescription nicotinic acid was shown to cause hepatotoxicity and increase risk of type 2 diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Nicotinic acid in the vitamin B3 family?
Nicotinic acid, more commonly called niacin, is a pyridinecarboxylic acid compound (C6H5NO2) that functions as a vitamer of vitamin B3. It is one of two forms the body uses to satisfy its essential B3 requirement and can be synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan in both plants and animals.
What does Nicotinic acid actually do when taken as a medication?
In prescription form, niacin shifts lipid panels by lowering triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol. However, systematic reviews have concluded that adding niacin to an existing statin regimen does not further reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
How much Nicotinic acid do healthy adults need each day?
The standard dietary recommendation for adults is roughly 14 to 18 milligrams per day to maintain adequate vitamin B3 status. This amount can typically be met through a balanced diet or, when needed, via supplementation.
Where does Nicotinic acid come from naturally?
Both plants and animals can produce niacin by converting the amino acid tryptophan into this compound. It is also present directly in many whole foods, making dietary intake a practical route to meeting daily B3 needs.
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