Jump to content

Niacin: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
LemmeyBOT (talk | contribs)
m Restored missing content of named reference <ref name=UMM/> using version 214554664
Adding ImageClass = skin-invert-image to Infobox structural drawings for readability in dark mode per https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Recommendations_for_night_mode_compatibility_on_Wikimedia_wikis#Apply_filters_to_dark_images_with_transparent_background
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{otheruses4|the organic compound and vitamin|the band|Niacin (band)}}
{{Short description|Organic compound and a form of vitamin B3}}
{{good article}}
{{Chembox new
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
|ImageFile=Niacinstr.png
{{cs1 config|name-list-style=vanc|display-authors=6}}
|ImageSize=
{{Chembox
|IUPACName=nicotinic acid
| Watchedfields = changed
|OtherNames=pyridine-3-carboxylic acid, nicotinic acid, vitamin B<sub>3</sub>
| verifiedrevid = 408767536
|Section1= {{Chembox Identifiers
| ImageFileL1 = Niacin_structure.svg
| CASNo=59-67-6
| ImageFileL1_Ref = {{chemboximage|correct|??}}
| PubChem=938
| ImageClassL1 = skin-invert-image
| SMILES=C1=CC(=CN=C1)C(=O)O
| ImageNameL1 = Kekulé, skeletal formula of niacin
| MeSHName=Niacin
| ImageFileR1 = Niacin-3D-balls.png
}}
| ImageFileR1_Ref = {{chemboximage|correct|??}}
|Section2= {{Chembox Properties
| ImageNameR1 = Ball and stick model of niacin
| Formula=C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>NO<sub>2</sub>
| PIN = Pyridine-3-carboxylic acid<ref name=iupac2013>{{cite book | title = Nomenclature of Organic Chemistry : IUPAC Recommendations and Preferred Names 2013 (Blue Book) | publisher = [[Royal Society of Chemistry]] | date = 2014 | location = Cambridge | pages = 648–1047 | doi = 10.1039/9781849733069-00648 | isbn = 978-0-85404-182-4| chapter = Chapter P-6. Applications to Specific Classes of Compounds }}</ref>
| MolarMass=123.11
| pronounce = {{IPAc-en|ˈ|n|aɪ|ə|s|ɪ|n}}
| Appearance=
| OtherNames = {{ubl
| Density=
| Nicotinic acid ([[International nonproprietary name|INN]])
| MeltingPt=236.6 °C
| Bionic
| BoilingPt=decomposes
| Vitamin B<sub>3</sub>
| Solubility=
| Vitamin PP
}}
}}
|Section3= {{Chembox Hazards
|Section1={{Chembox Identifiers
| MainHazards=
| CASNo = 59-67-6
| FlashPt=
| CASNo_Ref = {{cascite|correct|CAS}}
| Autoignition=
| PubChem = 938
}}
| ChemSpiderID = 913
| ChemSpiderID_Ref = {{chemspidercite|correct|chemspider}}
| UNII = 2679MF687A
| UNII_Ref = {{fdacite|correct|FDA}}
| EINECS = 200-441-0
| DrugBank_Ref = {{drugbankcite|correct|drugbank}}
| DrugBank = DB00627
| KEGG = D00049
| KEGG_Ref = {{keggcite|correct|kegg}}
| KEGG1_Ref = {{keggcite|correct|kegg}}
| KEGG1 = C00253
| MeSHName = Niacin
| ChEBI_Ref = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}}
| ChEBI = 15940
| ChEMBL = 573
| ChEMBL_Ref = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}}
| IUPHAR_ligand = 1588
| RTECS = QT0525000

| Beilstein = 109591
| Gmelin = 3340
| 3DMet = B00073
| SMILES = OC(=O)c1cccnc1
| StdInChI = 1S/C6H5NO2/c8-6(9)5-2-1-3-7-4-5/h1-4H,(H,8,9)
| StdInChI_Ref = {{stdinchicite|correct|chemspider}}
| InChI = 1/C6H5NO2/c8-6(9)5-2-1-3-7-4-5/h1-4H,(H,8,9)
| StdInChIKey = PVNIIMVLHYAWGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
| StdInChIKey_Ref = {{stdinchicite|correct|chemspider}}
| InChIKey = PVNIIMVLHYAWGP-UHFFFAOYAA
}}
}}
|Section2={{Chembox Properties
| C=6 | H=5 | N=1 | O=2
| Appearance = White, translucent crystals
| MeltingPtK = 510
| Density = 1.473 g cm<sup>−3</sup>
| Solubility = 18 g L<sup>−1</sup>
| LogP = 0.219
| pKa = 2.0, 4.85
| IsoelectricPt = 4.75
| RefractIndex = 1.4936
| Dipole = 0.1271305813 D{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}
}}
|Section5={{Chembox Thermochemistry
| DeltaHf = −344.9 kJ mol<sup>−1</sup>
| DeltaHc = −2.73083 MJ mol<sup>−1</sup>
}}
|Section6={{Chembox Pharmacology
| ATCCode_prefix = C04
| ATCCode_suffix = AC01
| ATC_Supplemental = {{ATC|C10|BA01}} {{ATC|C10|AD02}} {{ATC|C10|AD52}}
| Licence_EU=yes
| INN_EMA=Nicotinic acid
| AdminRoutes = Intramuscular, by mouth
| HalfLife = 20–45 min
}}
|Section7={{Chembox Hazards
| GHSPictograms = {{GHS07}}
| GHSSignalWord = Warning
| HPhrases = {{H-phrases|319}}
| PPhrases = {{P-phrases|264|280|305+351+338|337+313|501}}
| NFPA-H = 1
| NFPA-F = 1
| NFPA-R = 0
| FlashPtC = 193
| AutoignitionPtC = 365
}}
}}
{{Infobox drug
| container_only = yes
| drug_name =
| INN = Nicotinic acid
| type = <!-- empty -->
| image =
| width =
| alt =
| caption =
| USAN =
| INN_EMA = Nicotinic acid


<!-- Clinical data -->
'''Niacin''', also known as '''nicotinic acid''' and '''vitamin B<sub>3</sub>''', is the [[organic compound]] with the formula HO<sub>2</sub>CC<sub>5</sub>H<sub>4</sub>N. This water-soluble, colourless solid is a derivative of [[pyridine]], featuring a [[carboxylic acid]] functional group at the 3-position. The designation ''vitamin B<sub>3</sub>'' also includes the corresponding [[amide]] '''[[nicotinamide]]''' ("niacinamide"), wherein the CO<sub>2</sub>H group has been replaced by a CONH<sub>2</sub> group. Niacin is converted to niacinamide ''in vivo'', and though the two are identical in their vitamin functions, niacinamide does not have the same pharmacologic and toxic effects of niacin, which occur incidental to niacin's conversion. Thus niacinamide does not reduce cholesterol or cause [[flushing]],<ref>Jacenollo, P. (1992). [http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/pagerender.fcgi?artid=1336277&pageindex=1 Niacin versus niacinamide]</ref> although nicotinamide may be toxic to the liver at doses exceeding 3 g/day for adults.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Knip M, Douek IF, Moore WP, ''et al'' |title=Safety of high-dose nicotinamide: a review |journal=Diabetologia |volume=43 |issue=11 |pages=1337–45 |year=2000 |pmid=11126400 | doi = 10.1007/s001250051536 <!--Retrieved from CrossRef by DOI bot-->}}</ref> Niacin is a precursor to [[Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide|NADH]], NAD, NAD<sup>+</sup>, and NADP, which play essential [[metabolism|metabolic]] roles in [[living cell]]s.<ref name="isbn1-57259-153-6">{{cite book |author=Cox, Michael; Lehninger, Albert L; Nelson, David R. |title=Lehninger principles of biochemistry |publisher=Worth Publishers |location=New York |year=2000 |pages= |isbn=1-57259-153-6 |oclc= |doi=}}</ref> DNA repair, and the production of steroid hormones in the adrenal gland.
| pronounce =
| tradename = Niacor, Niaspan, others
| Drugs.com = {{drugs.com|monograph|niacin}}
| MedlinePlus = a682518
| licence_CA = <!-- Health Canada may use generic or brand name (generic name preferred) -->
| licence_EU = yes
| DailyMedID = Niacin
| licence_US = <!-- FDA may use generic or brand name (generic name preferred) -->
| pregnancy_AU =
| pregnancy_AU_comment = Exempt<ref name="Drugs.com pregnancy">{{cite web | title=Niacin Use During Pregnancy | website=Drugs.com | date=29 July 2019 | url=https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/niacin.html | access-date=4 May 2020 | archive-date=5 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805024846/https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/niacin.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
| pregnancy_category=
| dependency_liability =
| addiction_liability =
| routes_of_administration = Intramuscular, by mouth
| class =
| ATCvet =
| ATC_supplemental =


<!-- Legal status -->
==History==
| legal_AU = <!-- S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9 or Unscheduled-->
Niacin was first described by Weidel in 1873 in his studies of [[nicotine]].<ref>{{cite journal | first = H | last = Weidel | title = Zur Kenntniss des Nicotins | journal = Justus Liebig's Annalen der Chemie und Pharmacie | year = 1873 | volume = 165 | pages = 330-349 | doi = 10.1002/jlac.18731650212}}</ref> The original preparation remains useful: the oxidation of nicotine using [[nitric acid]].<ref>{{OrgSynth | author = [[Samuel M. McElvain]] | title = Nicotinic Acid | collvol = 1 | collvolpages = 385| year = 1941 | prep = CV1P0385.pdf}}</ref> Niacin was extracted from livers by [[Conrad Elvehjem]] who later identified the active ingredient, then referred to as the "pellagra-preventing factor" and the "anti-blacktongue factor."<ref name=Elvehjem>{{cite journal | author = Elvehjem, C.A. | coauthors = Madden, R.J.; Strongandd, F.M. | year = | title = W. WOOLLEY 1938 The isolation and identification of the anti-blacktongue factor J | journal = J. Biol. Chem | volume = 123 | pages = 137}}</ref> When the biological significance of nicotinic acid was realized, it was thought appropriate to choose a name to dissociate it from nicotine, in order to avoid the perception that vitamins or niacin-rich food contains nicotine. The resulting name 'niacin' was derived from '''ni'''cotinic '''ac'''id + vitam'''in.'''
| legal_AU_comment =
| legal_BR = <!-- OTC, A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, D1, D2, E, F-->
| legal_BR_comment =
| legal_CA = <!-- OTC, Rx-only, Schedule I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII -->
| legal_CA_comment =
| legal_DE = <!-- Anlage I, II, III or Unscheduled-->
| legal_DE_comment =
| legal_NZ = <!-- Class A, B, C -->
| legal_NZ_comment =
| legal_UK = <!-- GSL, P, POM, CD, CD Lic, CD POM, CD No Reg POM, CD (Benz) POM, CD (Anab) POM or CD Inv POM / Class A, B, C -->
| legal_UK_comment =
| legal_US = OTC
| legal_US_comment = /&nbsp;Rx-only
| legal_UN = <!-- N I, II, III, IV / P I, II, III, IV-->
| legal_UN_comment =
| legal_status = <!-- For countries not listed above -->


<!-- Pharmacokinetic data -->
Niacin is referred to as Vitamin B<sub>3</sub> because it was the third of the [[B vitamins]] to be discovered. It has historically been referred to as "vitamin PP."
| bioavailability =
| protein_bound =
| metabolism =
| metabolites =
| onset =
| elimination_half-life =
| duration_of_action =
| excretion =


<!-- Identifiers -->
==Dietary needs==
| CAS_number_Ref =
Severe deficiency of niacin in the diet causes the disease [[pellagra]], whereas mild deficiency slows the [[metabolism]], causing decreased tolerance to cold. Dietary niacin deficiency tends to occur only in areas where people eat [[maize|corn]] (maize), the only grain low in niacin, as a [[staple food]], ''and'' that do not use lime during meal/flour production. [[Alkali]] lime releases the [[tryptophan]] from the corn in a process called [[nixtamalization]] so that it can be absorbed in the intestine, and converted to niacin.<ref name=UMM>{{cite web | url = http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/vitamin-b3-000335.htm | title = Vitamin B3 | publisher = [[University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland Medical Center]] | year = 2002-01-04 | accessdate = 2008-03-31 }}</ref>
| CAS_number =
| CAS_supplemental =
| PubChem =
| PubChemSubstance =
| IUPHAR_ligand =
| DrugBank_Ref =
| DrugBank =
| ChemSpiderID_Ref =
| ChemSpiderID =
| UNII_Ref =
| UNII =
| KEGG_Ref =
| KEGG =
| KEGG2_Ref =
| KEGG2 =
| ChEBI_Ref =
| ChEBI =
| ChEMBL_Ref =
| ChEMBL =
| NIAID_ChemDB =
| PDB_ligand = NIO
| synonyms =


<!-- Chemical and physical data -->
The recommended daily allowance of niacin is 2-12 mg/day for children, 14 mg/day for women, 16 mg/day for men, and 18 mg/day for pregnant or breast-feeding women.<ref>{{pauling|id=vitamins/niacin|title=Niacin|author=Jane Higdon}}</ref>
| IUPAC_name =
| chemical_formula =
| molecular_weight =
| SMILES =
| Jmol =
| StdInChI =
| StdInChI_comment =
| StdInChIKey =
| density =
| density_notes =
| melting_point =
| melting_high =
| melting_notes =
| boiling_point =
| boiling_notes =
| solubility =
| sol_units =
| specific_rotation =
}}


[[File:Vitamin B3 (Niacine) space filling model.jpg|thumb|Space-filling model of niacin]]
Note: Niacin synthesis is deficient in [[carcinoid syndrome]] because of metabolic diversion of its precursor, [[tryptophan]], to form [[serotonin]].


'''Niacin''', also known as '''nicotinic acid''', is an [[organic compound]] and a [[vitamer]] of{{spaces}}[[vitamin B3|vitamin B<sub>3</sub>]], an [[essential nutrient|essential human nutrient]].<ref name="lpi">{{cite web |title=Niacin |url=https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/niacin |publisher=Micronutrient Information Center, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR |access-date=16 September 2019 |date=8 October 2018 |archive-date=12 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912214545/https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/niacin |url-status=live }}</ref> It is produced by plants and animals from the amino acid [[tryptophan]].<ref name="DRItext" /> Niacin is obtained in the diet from a variety of [[whole food|whole]] and [[processed foods]], with highest contents in [[fortified food|fortified]] [[packaged food]]s, meat, poultry, red fish such as [[tuna]] and [[salmon]], lesser amounts in nuts, legumes and seeds.<ref name=lpi/><ref name="NIH Fact Sheet" /> Niacin as a [[dietary supplement]] is used to treat [[pellagra]], a disease caused by niacin deficiency. Signs and symptoms of pellagra include skin and mouth lesions, anemia, headaches, and tiredness.<ref name=Hegyi2004 /> Many countries mandate its addition to wheat flour or other [[food grains]], thereby reducing the risk of pellagra.<ref name=lpi/><ref name=WhyFortify>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ffinetwork.org/why_fortify/index.html|publisher=Food Fortification Initiative|title=Why fortify?|date=2017|access-date=4 April 2017|archive-date=4 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404131451/http://www.ffinetwork.org/why_fortify/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Pharmacological uses==
Niacin, when taken in large doses, blocks the breakdown of [[fat]]s in [[adipose tissue]], thus altering blood [[lipid]] levels. Niacin is used in the treatment of [[hyperlipidemia]] because it reduces [[very-low-density lipoprotein]] (VLDL), a precursor of [[low-density lipoprotein]] (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol. Because niacin blocks breakdown of fats, it causes a decrease in [[free fatty acid]]s in the blood and, as a consequence, decreased secretion of VLDL and cholesterol by the liver.<ref name=Katzung>{{cite book |author=Katzung, Bertram G. |title=Basic and clinical pharmacology |publisher=McGraw-Hill Medical Publishing Division |location=New York |year=2006 |pages= |isbn=0071451536 |oclc= |doi=}}</ref>


The amide derivative [[nicotinamide]] (niacinamide) is a component of the coenzymes [[nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide]] (NAD) and [[nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate]] (NADP<sup>+</sup>). Although niacin and [[nicotinamide]] are identical in their vitamin activity, nicotinamide does not have the same pharmacological, [[hypolipidemic agent|lipid-modifying]] effects or side effects as niacin, i.e., when niacin takes on the ''-amide'' group, it does not reduce cholesterol nor cause [[flushing (physiology)|flushing]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Jaconello P | title = Niacin versus niacinamide | journal = CMAJ | volume = 147 | issue = 7 | pages = 990 | date = October 1992 | pmid = 1393911 | pmc = 1336277 }}</ref><ref name="pmid22138132">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kirkland JB | title = Niacin requirements for genomic stability | journal = Mutation Research | volume = 733 | issue = 1–2 | pages = 14–20 | date = May 2012 | pmid = 22138132 | doi = 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2011.11.008 | bibcode = 2012MRFMM.733...14K | url = https://zenodo.org/record/1143032 | access-date = 3 July 2019 | archive-date = 4 August 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200804183506/https://zenodo.org/record/1143032 | url-status = live }}</ref> Nicotinamide is recommended as a treatment for niacin deficiency because it can be administered in remedial amounts without causing the flushing, considered an adverse effect.<ref name="Pellagra And Its Prevention" />
By lowering VLDL levels, niacin also ''increases'' the level of [[high-density lipoprotein]] (HDL) or "good" cholesterol in blood, and therefore it is sometimes prescribed for patients with low HDL, who are also at high risk of a heart attack.<ref name="pmid15842130">{{cite journal |author=McGovern ME |title=Taking aim at HDL-C. Raising levels to reduce cardiovascular risk |journal=Postgrad Med |volume=117 |issue=4 |pages=29-30, 33-5, 39 passim |year=2005 |pmid=15842130 |doi=}}</ref><ref name="pmid3782631">{{cite journal |author=Canner PL, Berge KG, Wenger NK, ''et al'' |title=Fifteen year mortality in Coronary Drug Project patients: long-term benefit with niacin |journal=J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. |volume=8 |issue=6 |pages=1245-55 |year=1986 |pmid=3782631 |doi=}}</ref>


Niacin is also a prescription medication.<ref name=Drugs/> Amounts far in excess of the recommended dietary intake for vitamin functions will lower blood [[triglyceride]]s and [[low-density lipoprotein|low density lipoprotein cholesterol]] (LDL-C), and raise blood [[high density lipoprotein|high density lipoprotein cholesterol]] (HDL-C, often referred to as "good" cholesterol). There are two forms: immediate-release and sustained-release niacin. Initial prescription amounts are 500&nbsp;mg/day, increased over time until a therapeutic effect is achieved. Immediate-release doses can be as high as 3,000&nbsp;mg/day; sustained-release as high as 2,000&nbsp;mg/day.<ref name=Drugs>{{cite web |url=https://www.drugs.com/niacin.html |title=Niacin |date=16 March 2019 |website=Drugs.com |access-date=27 April 2020 |archive-date=9 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609134807/https://www.drugs.com/niacin.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite the proven lipid changes, niacin has not been found useful for decreasing the risk of [[cardiovascular disease]] in those already on a [[statin]].<ref name=Kee2014/> A 2010 review had concluded that niacin was effective as a mono-therapy,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bruckert E, Labreuche J, Amarenco P | title = Meta-analysis of the effect of nicotinic acid alone or in combination on cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis | journal = Atherosclerosis | volume = 210 | issue = 2 | pages = 353–61 | date = June 2010 | pmid = 20079494 | doi = 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.12.023 }}</ref> but a 2017 review incorporating twice as many trials concluded that prescription niacin, while affecting lipid levels, did not reduce all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarctions, nor fatal or non-fatal strokes.<ref name=Schand2017 /> Prescription niacin was shown to cause hepatotoxicity<ref name=LiverTox2014 /> and increase risk of [[type 2 diabetes]].<ref name=Ong2014 /><ref name=Goldie2016 /> Niacin prescriptions in the U.S. had peaked in 2009 at 9.4{{nbsp}}million, <!-- shown in archived version of ref --> declining to 800{{nbsp}}thousand by 2020.<ref name="ClinCalc Niacin">{{cite web | title = Niacin - Drug Usage Statistics | website = ClinCalc | url = https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Drugs/Niacin | access-date = 7 October 2022 | archive-date = 8 July 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200708061719/https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Drugs/Niacin | url-status = live }}</ref>
Niacin is sometimes consumed in large quantities by people who wish to fool drug screening tests, particularly for [[lipid soluble]] drugs such as marijuana.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Niacin abuse in the attempt to alter urine drug tests | journal = Pharmacy Technician’s Letter | year = 2007 | volume = 23 | issue = 6 | url = http://www.pharmacytechniciansletter.com/(S(0nx15w45qengv355nhoyj445))/pl/Browse.aspx?s=PTL&pt=6&fpt=31&dd=230606&pb=PTL&cat=5108 | accessdate = 2008-03-31 }}.</ref> It is believed to "promote metabolism" of the drug and cause it to be "flushed out." Scientific studies have shown it does not affect drug screenings, but can pose a risk of overdose, causing [[arrhythmia]]s, [[metabolic acidosis]], [[hyperglycemia]], and other serious problems.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/display/article/10168/58221 | last = Phend | first = C | date = 2007-04-12 |title=Psychiatric Times - Overdoing Niacin Can't Thwart Drug Abuse Tests and Is Risky|accessdate=2008-03-31 |format= |work=}}</ref>


Niacin has the [[chemical formula|formula]] {{chem|C|6|H|5|NO|2}} and belongs to the group of the [[pyridinecarboxylic acids]].<ref name=lpi/> As the [[precursor (chemistry)|precursor]] for [[nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide]] and [[nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate]], niacin is involved in DNA repair.<ref name="pmid26828517">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kennedy DO | title = B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review | journal = Nutrients | volume = 8 | issue = 2 | pages = 68 | date = January 2016 | pmid = 26828517 | pmc = 4772032 | doi = 10.3390/nu8020068 | doi-access = free | title-link = doi }}</ref>
==Toxicity==
{{TOC limit}}
People taking pharmacological doses of niacin (1.5 - 6 g per day) often experience a syndrome of side-effects that can include one or more of the following:<ref name=G&G>{{cite book |author=Keith Parker; Laurence Brunton; Goodman, Louis Sanford; Lazo, John S.; Gilman, Alfred |title=Goodman & Gilman's the pharmacological basis of therapeutics |publisher=McGraw-Hill |location=New York |year=2006 |pages= |isbn=0071422803 |oclc= |doi=}}</ref>
* dermatological complaints
**facial flushing and itching
**dry skin
**skin rashes including [[acanthosis nigricans]]
* gastrointestinal complaints
**[[dyspepsia]] (indigestion)
* liver toxicity
**[[fulminant hepatic failure]]
* [[hyperglycemia]]
* [[cardiac arrhythmias]]
* birth defects


==Definition==
Facial flushing is the most commonly-reported side-effect.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002409.htm | title = Medical Encyclopedia: Niacin | publisher = [[MedlinePlus]] | date = 2007-02-01 | accessdate = 2008-03-31 | last = McGee | first = W }}</ref> It lasts for about 15 to 30 minutes, and is sometimes accompanied by a prickly or itching sensation, particularly in areas covered by clothing. This effect is mediated by [[prostaglandin]] and can be blocked by taking 300 mg of [[aspirin]] half an hour before taking niacin, or by taking one tablet of [[ibuprofen]] per day. Taking the niacin with meals also helps reduce this side-effect. After 1 to 2 weeks of a stable dose, most patients no longer flush.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} Slow- or "sustained"-release forms of niacin have been developed to lessen these side-effects.<ref name = Katzung/><ref>{{cite journal | title = Options for therapeutic intervention: How effective are the different agents? | journal = European Heart Journal Supplements | Volume = 8 | pages = F47-F53 | doi = 10.1093/eurheartj/sul041 | accessdate = 2008-03-31 | last = Barter | first = P | year = 2006 | issue = F}}</ref> One study showed the incidence of flushing was significantly lower with a [[sustained release]] formulation<ref name="pmid15324528">{{cite journal |author=Chapman MJ, Assmann G, Fruchart JC, Shepherd J, Sirtori C |title=Raising high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with reduction of cardiovascular risk: the role of nicotinic acid--a position paper developed by the European Consensus Panel on HDL-C |journal=Curr Med Res Opin |volume=20 |issue=8 |pages=1253-68 |year=2004 |pmid=15324528 |doi=10.1185/030079904125004402}}</ref> though doses above 2 g per day have been associated with [[hepatotoxicity|liver damage]], particularly with slow-release formulations.<ref name = G&G/>
Niacin is both a vitamin, i.e., an essential nutrient, marketed as a dietary supplement, and in the US, a prescription medicine. As a vitamin, it is precursor of the coenzymes [[nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide]] (NAD) and [[nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate]] (NADP). These compounds are coenzymes for many dehydrogenases, participating in many hydrogen transfer processes. NAD is important in [[catabolism]] of fat, carbohydrate, protein, and alcohol, as well as cell signaling and DNA repair, and NADP mostly in [[anabolism]] reactions such as fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis.<ref name=PKIN2020Niacin/> Vitamin intake recommendations made by several countries are that intakes of 14–18&nbsp;mg/day are sufficient to meet the needs of healthy adults.<ref name="DRItext" /><ref name="EFSAtext" /><ref name=AusNZ /> Niacin but also [[nicotinamide]] (niacinamide) are used for prevention and treatment of [[pellagra]], a disease caused by lack of the vitamin.<ref name=Hegyi2004>{{cite journal | vauthors = Hegyi J, Schwartz RA, Hegyi V | title = Pellagra: dermatitis, dementia, and diarrhea | journal = International Journal of Dermatology | volume = 43 | issue = 1 | pages = 1–5 | date = January 2004 | pmid = 14693013 | doi = 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2004.01959.x | s2cid = 33877664 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name=PKIN2020Niacin>{{cite book |vauthors=Penberthy WT, Kirkland JB |title = Present Knowledge in Nutrition, Eleventh Edition |chapter = Niacin |editor=BP Marriott |editor2=DF Birt |editor3=VA Stallings|editor4=AA Yates |publisher = Academic Press (Elsevier) |year=2020 |location = London, United Kingdom |pages = 209–24 |isbn=978-0-323-66162-1}}</ref> When niacin is used as a medicine to treat [[hyperlipidemia|elevated cholesterol and triglycerides]], daily doses range from 500 to 3,000&nbsp;mg/day.<ref name=DailyMed /><ref name=Niaspan /> High-dose nicotinamide does not have this medicinal effect.<ref name=PKIN2020Niacin />
High-dose niacin may also elevate [[blood sugar]], thereby worsening [[diabetes mellitus]].<ref name = G&G/> [[Hyperuricemia]] is another side-effect of taking high-dose niacin, and may exacerbate [[gout]].<ref name="pmid11122726">{{cite journal |author=Capuzzi DM, Morgan JM, Brusco OA, Intenzo CM |title=Niacin dosing: relationship to benefits and adverse effects |journal=Curr Atheroscler Rep |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=64-71 |year=2000 |pmid=11122726 |doi= | doi = 10.1007/s11883-000-0096-y <!--Retrieved from CrossRef by DOI bot-->}}</ref> Niacin at doses used in lowering cholesterol has been associated with birth defects in laboratory animals, with possible consequences for infant development in [[Pregnancy|pregnant]] women.<ref name = G&G/>


==Vitamin deficiency==
Niacin at extremely high doses can have life-threatening acute toxic reactions.<ref name="pmid17418450">{{cite journal |author=Mittal MK, Florin T, Perrone J, Delgado JH, Osterhoudt KC |title=Toxicity from the use of niacin to beat urine drug screening |journal=Ann Emerg Med |volume=50 |issue=5 |pages=587-90 |year=2007 |pmid=17418450 |doi=10.1016/j.annemergmed.2007.01.014}}</ref> Extremely high doses of niacin can also cause niacin maculopathy, a thickening of the [[macula]] and [[retina]] which leads to blurred vision and blindness.<ref name="pmid15035390">{{cite journal |author=Gass JD |title=Nicotinic acid maculopathy. 1973 |journal=Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.) |volume=23 |issue=6 Suppl |pages=500-10 |year=2003 |pmid=15035390 |doi=}}</ref>
{{Main|Pellagra}}
[[File:Pellagra2.jpg|thumb|left|A man with [[pellagra]], which is caused by a chronic lack of vitamin B<sub>3</sub> in the diet]]


Severe deficiency of niacin in the diet causes the disease [[pellagra]], characterized by [[diarrhea]], sun-sensitive [[dermatitis]] involving hyperpigmentation and thickening of the skin (see image), inflammation of the mouth and tongue, delirium, dementia, and if left untreated, death.<ref name=Hegyi2004 /> Common psychiatric symptoms include irritability, poor concentration, anxiety, fatigue, loss of memory, restlessness, apathy, and depression.<ref name=PKIN2020Niacin /> The biochemical mechanism(s) for the observed deficiency-caused neurodegeneration are not well understood, but may rest on: A) the requirement for [[nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide]] (NAD+) to suppress the creation of neurotoxic tryptophan metabolites, B) inhibition of mitochondrial ATP generation, resulting in cell damage; C), activation of the [[poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase]] (PARP) pathway, as PARP is a nuclear enzyme involved in DNA repair, but in the absence of NAD+ can lead to cell death; D) reduced synthesis of neuro-protective [[brain-derived neurotrophic factor]] or its receptor [[tropomyosin receptor kinase B]]; or E) changes to genome expression directly due to the niacin deficiency.<ref name="niacin review 2014">{{cite journal | vauthors = Fu L, Doreswamy V, Prakash R | title = The biochemical pathways of central nervous system neural degeneration in niacin deficiency | journal = Neural Regeneration Research | volume = 9 | issue = 16 | pages = 1509–13 | date = August 2014 | pmid = 25317166 | pmc = 4192966 | doi = 10.4103/1673-5374.139475 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
==Inositol hexanicotinate==
{{main|Inositol hexanicotinate}}
One popular form of dietary supplement is [[inositol hexanicotinate]], usually sold as "flush-free" or "no-flush" niacin (although those terms are also used for regular sustained-release.) While this form of niacin does not cause the flushing associated with the nicotinic acid form, it is not clear whether it is pharmacologically equivalent in its positive effect.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/447528 | title = No-Flush Niacin for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia | last = Kittams | first = B | publisher = [[Medscape]] | date = 2003-01-15 | accessdate = 2008-03-31}}</ref>


Niacin deficiency is rarely seen in developed countries, and it is more typically associated with poverty, malnutrition or malnutrition secondary to chronic [[alcoholism]].<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors = Pitsavas S, Andreou C, Bascialla F, Bozikas VP, Karavatos A |s2cid = 29070525 |title = Pellagra encephalopathy following B-complex vitamin treatment without niacin |journal = International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine |volume = 34 |issue = 1 |pages = 91–5 |date = March 2004 |pmid = 15242145 |doi = 10.2190/29XV-1GG1-U17K-RGJH |url = http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?id=29xv1gg1u17krgjh |access-date = 27 November 2009 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120710191340/http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?id=29xv1gg1u17krgjh |archive-date = 10 July 2012 |url-status = dead }}</ref> It also tends to occur in less developed areas where people eat [[maize]] (corn) as a staple food, as maize is the only grain low in digestible niacin. A cooking technique called [[nixtamalization]] i.e., pretreating with alkali ingredients, increases the bioavailability of niacin during maize meal/flour production.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Bressani R, Gomez-Brenes R, Scrimshaw NS |title=Effect of processing on distribution and in vitro availability of niacin of corn (Zea mays) |journal=Food Technol|date=1961 |volume=15 |pages=450–4 }}</ref> For this reason, people who consume maize as tortillas or [[hominy]] are at less risk of niacin deficiency.
==Biosynthesis==
[[Image:Niacin biosynthesis.svg|thumb|400px|Biosynthesis: [[Tryptophan]] → [[kynurenine]] → niacin]]
The [[liver]] can synthesize niacin from the essential [[amino acid]] [[tryptophan]], requiring 60 [[Gram#SI_multiples|mg]] of tryptophan to make one mg of niacin.<ref name=OSU>{{cite web | url = http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/niacin/ | title = Niacin | publisher = [[Linus Pauling Institute]] | year = 2007 | last = Jacobson | first = EL | accessdate = 2008-03-31}}</ref>


For treating deficiency, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends administering niacinamide i.e., nicotinamide, instead of niacin, to avoid the flushing side effect commonly caused by the latter. Guidelines suggest using 300&nbsp;mg/day for three to four weeks.<ref name="Pellagra And Its Prevention" /> Dementia and dermatitis show improvement within a week. Because deficiencies of other B-vitamins may be present, the WHO recommends a multi-vitamin in addition to the niacinamide.<ref name="Pellagra And Its Prevention" />
The 5-membered [[aromatic]] [[heterocyclic compound|heterocycle]] of tryptophan is cleaved and rearranged with the [[amino acid|alpha amino group]] of tryptophan into the 6-membered aromatic heterocycle of niacin.


[[Hartnup disease]] is a [[hereditary]] nutritional disorder resulting in niacin deficiency.<ref name=HartnupMerck>{{cite web |url=https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/congenital-renal-transport-abnormalities/hartnup-disease?query=Hartnup%20Disease |title=Hartnup Disease |vauthors=LaRosa CJ |date=January 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-date=8 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708204521/https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/congenital-renal-transport-abnormalities/hartnup-disease?query=Hartnup%20Disease |url-status=dead }}</ref> It is named after an English family with a genetic disorder that resulted in a failure to absorb the essential amino acid [[tryptophan]], tryptophan being a precursor for niacin synthesis. The symptoms are similar to pellagra, including red, scaly rash and sensitivity to sunlight. Oral niacin or niacinamide is given as a treatment for this condition in doses ranging from 50 to 100&nbsp;mg twice a day, with a good prognosis if identified and treated early.<ref name=HartnupMerck /> Niacin synthesis is also deficient in [[carcinoid syndrome]], because of metabolic diversion of its [[precursor (chemistry)|precursor]] [[tryptophan]] to form [[serotonin]].<ref name="lpi" />
==Receptor==
The receptor for niacin is a [[G protein-coupled receptor]] called HM74A.<ref name="pmid16018973">{{cite journal |author=Zhang Y, Schmidt RJ, Foxworthy P, ''et al'' |title=Niacin mediates lipolysis in adipose tissue through its G-protein coupled receptor HM74A |journal=Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. |volume=334 |issue=2 |pages=729-32 |year=2005 |pmid=16018973 |doi=10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.06.141}}</ref> It couples to [[Gi alpha subunit]].<ref name="pmid15580557">{{cite journal |author=Zellner C, Pullinger CR, Aouizerat BE, ''et al'' |title=Variations in human HM74 (GPR109B) and HM74A (GPR109A) niacin receptors |journal=Hum. Mutat. |volume=25 |issue=1 |pages=18-21 |year=2005 |pmid=15580557 |doi=10.1002/humu.20121}}</ref>


===Measuring vitamin status===
==Food sources==
Plasma concentrations of niacin and niacin metabolites are not useful markers of niacin status.<ref name="DRItext"/> Urinary excretion of the methylated metabolite N1-methyl-nicotinamide is considered reliable and sensitive. The measurement requires a 24-hour urine collection. For adults, a value of less than 5.8 μmol/day represent deficient niacin status and 5.8 to 17.5 μmol/day represents low.<ref name="DRItext"/> According to the World Health Organization, an alternative mean of expressing urinary N1-methyl-nicotinamide is as mg/g creatinine in a 24-hour urine collection, with deficient defined as <0.5, low 0.5-1.59, acceptable 1.6-4.29, and high >4.3<ref name="Pellagra And Its Prevention" /> Niacin deficiency occurs before the signs and symptoms of pellagra appear.<ref name="DRItext"/> Erythrocyte [[nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide]] (NAD) concentrations potentially provide another sensitive indicator of niacin depletion, although definitions of deficient, low and adequate have not been established. Lastly, plasma [[tryptophan]] decreases on a low niacin diet because tryptophan converts to niacin. However, low tryptophan could also be caused by a diet low in this essential [[amino acid]], so it is not specific to confirming vitamin status.<ref name="DRItext"/>
{| style="width:100%"

==Dietary recommendations==

{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 2em;"
|+ Dietary recommendations
|
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="font-size: 80%; text-align: center; width:406px"
|-
|-
|+ style="background: blue; color: white; font-size: 110%; text-align: center;" | Australia and New Zealand
! [[Animal]] products: || [[Fruits]] and [[vegetables]]: || [[Seeds]]: || [[Fungi]]:
|-
|- style="vertical-align:top"
! scope="col" style="width:8em" | Age group
| width="25%" |
! scope="col" style="width:8em" | RDI for niacin (mg NE/day)<ref name=AusNZ />
* [[liver]], [[heart]] and [[kidney]]
! scope="col" style="width:8em" | Upper level of intake<ref name=AusNZ>{{cite web|url = http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/file/publications/synopses/n35.pdf|title = Nutrient reference values for Australia and New Zealand|access-date = 19 June 2018|date = 9 September 2005|work = National Health and Medical Research Council|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170121003340/https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/file/publications/synopses/n35.pdf|archive-date = 21 January 2017|url-status = dead}}</ref>
* [[chicken]]
|-
* [[beef]]
| Infants 0–6 months || 2&nbsp;mg/d preformed niacin* || rowspan="2"| ND
* [[fish]]: [[tuna]], [[salmon]]
|-
* [[milk]]
| Infants 7–12 months || 4&nbsp;mg/d NE*
* [[egg (food)|eggs]]
|-
| width="25%" |
| 1–3 || 6 || 10
* [[leaf vegetable]]s
|-
* [[broccoli]]
| 4–8 || 8 || 15
* [[tomato]]es
|-
* [[carrot]]s
| 9–13 || 12 || 20
* [[date palm|date]]s
|-
* [[sweet potatoe]]s
| 14–18 || – || 30
* [[asparagus]]
|-
* [[avocado]]s
| 19+ || – || 35
| width="25%" |
|-
* [[nut (fruit)|nut]]s
| Females 14+ || 14 || rowspan=2 | –
* [[whole grain]] products
|-
* [[legume]]s
| Males 14+ || 16
* [[saltbush]] seeds
|-
| width="25%" |
| Pregnant females 14–50 || 18 || –
* [[mushroom]]s
|-
* [[brewer's yeast]]
| Pregnant females 14–18 || – || 30
|-
| Pregnant females 19–50 || – || 35
|-
| Lactating females 14–50 || 17 || –
|-
| Lactating females 14–18 || – || 30
|-
| Lactating females 19–50 || – || 35
|-
| colspan="3" style="text-align: center;" | * Adequate Intake for infants<ref name=DRItext />
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="font-size: 80%; text-align: center; width:406px"
|-
|+ style="background: blue; color: white; font-size: 110%; text-align: center;" | Canada
|-
! scope="col" style="width:8em" | Age group (years)
! scope="col" style="width:8em" | RDA of niacin (mg NE/d)<ref name=HealthCanada>{{cite web|author=Health Canada|title=Dietary Reference Intakes|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/dietary-reference-intakes/tables/reference-values-vitamins-dietary-reference-intakes-tables-2005.html|publisher=Government of Canada|access-date=20 June 2018|date=2005-07-20|archive-date=14 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614052711/https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/dietary-reference-intakes/tables/reference-values-vitamins-dietary-reference-intakes-tables-2005.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:8em" | Tolerable upper intake level<ref name=HealthCanada />
|-
| 0–6 months || 2&nbsp;mg/d preformed niacin* || rowspan=2| ND
|-
| 7–12 months || 4&nbsp;mg/d NE*
|-
| 1–3 || 6 || 10
|-
| 4–8 || 8 || 15
|-
| 9–13 || 12 || 20
|-
| Females 14–18 || 14 || rowspan=2| 30
|-
| Males 14–18 || 16
|-
| Females 19+ || 14 || rowspan=2| 35
|-
| Males 19+ || 16
|-
| Pregnant females <18 || 18 || 30
|-
| Pregnant females 18–50 || 18 || 35
|-
| Lactating females <18 || 17 || 30
|-
| Lactating females 18–50 || 17 || 35
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="font-size: 80%; text-align: center; width:406px"
|-
|+ style="background: blue; color: white; font-size: 110%; text-align: center;" | European Food Safety Authority
|-
! scope="col" width=8em | Gender
! colspan=2 width=16em | Adequate Intake (mg NE/MJ)<ref name=EFSA>{{cite web|url=http://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/efsa_rep/blobserver_assets/ndatolerableuil.pdf|title=Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for Vitamins and Minerals|date=February 2006|publisher=European Food Safety Authority|access-date=18 June 2018|archive-date=16 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316225123/http://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/efsa_rep/blobserver_assets/ndatolerableuil.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Females || colspan=2 width="8em"| 1.3
|-
| Males || colspan=2 width="8em"| 1.6
|-
! scope="col" style="width:8em" | Age (years)
! scope="col" style="width:8em" | Tolerable upper limit of Nicotinic acid (mg/day)<ref name=EFSA />
! scope="col" style="width:8em" | Tolerable upper limit of Nicotinamide (mg/day)<ref name=EFSA />
|-
| 1–3 || 2 || 150
|-
| 4–6 || 3 || 220
|-
| 7–10 || 4 || 350
|-
| 11–14 || 6 || 500
|-
| 15–17 || 8 || 700
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="font-size: 80%; text-align: center; width:406px"
|-
|+ style="background: blue; color: white; font-size: 110%; text-align: center;" | United States
|-
! scope="col" style="width:8em" | Age group
! scope="col" style="width:8em" | RDA for niacin (mg NE/day)
! scope="col" style="width:8em" | Tolerable upper intake level<ref name="DRItext">{{cite book |last1= Institute of Medicine |title= Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline |chapter= Niacin |publisher= The National Academies Press |year= 1998 |location= Washington, DC |pages= 123–149 |chapter-url= https://www.nap.edu/read/6015/chapter/8 |access-date= 29 August 2018 |isbn= 978-0-309-06554-2 |archive-date= 1 September 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180901175650/https://www.nap.edu/read/6015/chapter/8 |url-status= live }}</ref>
|-
| Infants 0–6 months || 2* || rowspan="2"| ND**
|-
| Infants 6–12 months || 4*
|-
| 1–3 || 6 || 10
|-
| 4–8 || 8 || 15
|-
| 9–13 || 12 || 20
|-
| Females 14–18 || 14 || 30
|-
| Males 14–18 || 16 || 30
|-
| Females 19+ || 14 || 35
|-
| Males 19+ || 16 || 35
|-
| Pregnant females 14–18 || 18 || 30
|-
| Pregnant females 19–50 || 18 || 35
|-
| Lactating females 14–18 || 17 || 30
|-
| Lactating females 19–50 || 17 || 35
|-
| colspan="3" style="text-align: center;" | * Adequate intake for infants, as an RDA has yet to be established<br />** Not possible to establish; source of intake should be formula and food only<ref name=DRItext />
|-
|}
|}
|}
The U.S. Institute of Medicine (renamed [[National Academy of Medicine]] in 2015) updated Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for niacin in 1998, also [[Tolerable upper intake levels]] (ULs). In lieu of an RDA, Adequate Intakes (AIs) are identified for populations for which there is not sufficient evidence to identify a dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of most people.<ref name=DRIExplain /> (see table).


The [[European Food Safety Authority]] (EFSA) refers to the collective set of information as Dietary Reference Values (DRV), with Population Reference Intake (PRI) instead of RDA, and Average Requirement instead of EAR. For the EU, AIs and ULs have the same definition as in the US, except that units are milligrams per megajoule (MJ) of energy consumed rather than mg/day. For women (including those pregnant or lactating), men and children the PRI is 1.6&nbsp;mg per megajoule. As the conversion is 1 MJ = 239 kcal, an adult consuming 2390 kilocalories should be consuming 16&nbsp;mg niacin. This is comparable to US RDAs (14&nbsp;mg/day for adult women, 16&nbsp;mg/day for adult men).<ref name="EFSAtext">{{cite web| title = Overview on Dietary Reference Values for the EU population as derived by the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies| year = 2017| url = https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/assets/DRV_Summary_tables_jan_17.pdf| access-date = 31 August 2017| archive-date = 28 August 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170828082247/https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/assets/DRV_Summary_tables_jan_17.pdf| url-status = live}}</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}


ULs are established by identifying amounts of vitamins and minerals that cause adverse effects, and then selecting as an upper limit amounts that are the "maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects."<ref name=DRIExplain>{{cite web |url=https://ods.od.nih.gov/Health_Information/Dietary_Reference_Intakes.aspx |title=Nutrient Recommendations: Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) |website=National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements |access-date=30 June 2020 |archive-date=2 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702082029/https://ods.od.nih.gov/Health_Information/Dietary_Reference_Intakes.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Regulatory agencies from different countries do not always agree. For the US, 30 or 35&nbsp;mg for teenagers and adults, less for children.<ref name="DRItext"/> The EFSA UL for adults is set at 10&nbsp;mg/day - about one-third of the US value. For all of the government ULs, the term applies to niacin as a supplement consumed as one dose, and is intended as a limit to avoid the skin flush reaction. This explains why for EFSA, the recommended daily intake can be higher than the UL.<ref>{{cite web| title = Tolerable Upper Intake Levels For Vitamins And Minerals| publisher = European Food Safety Authority| year = 2006| url = http://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/efsa_rep/blobserver_assets/ndatolerableuil.pdf| access-date = 9 March 2016| archive-date = 16 March 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160316225123/http://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/efsa_rep/blobserver_assets/ndatolerableuil.pdf| url-status = live}}</ref>
==External links==

Both the DRI and DRV describe amounts needed as niacin equivalents (NE), calculated as 1&nbsp;mg NE = 1&nbsp;mg niacin or 60&nbsp;mg of the essential amino acid tryptophan. This is because the amino acid is utilized to synthesize the vitamin.<ref name="DRItext" /><ref name="EFSAtext" />

For U.S. food and dietary supplement labeling purposes the amount in a serving is expressed as a percent of [[Daily Value]] (%DV). For niacin labeling purposes 100% of the Daily Value is 16&nbsp;mg. Prior to 27 May 2016 it was 20&nbsp;mg, revised to bring it into agreement with the RDA.<ref name="FedReg">{{cite web|url=https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-05-27/pdf/2016-11867.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-05-27/pdf/2016-11867.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |title=Federal Register May 27, 2016 Food Labeling: Revision of the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Daily Value Reference of the Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) | website=Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) | url=https://www.dsld.nlm.nih.gov/dsld/dailyvalue.jsp | access-date=16 May 2020 | archive-date=7 April 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407073956/https://dsld.nlm.nih.gov/dsld/dailyvalue.jsp | url-status=dead }}</ref>
Compliance with the updated labeling regulations was required by 1 January 2020 for manufacturers with [[US$]]10&nbsp;million or more in annual food sales, and by 1 January 2021 for manufacturers with lower volume food sales.<ref name="FDAdelay">{{cite web | title=Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label | website=U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) | date=27 May 2016 | url=https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/changes-nutrition-facts-label | access-date=16 May 2020 | archive-date=6 May 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506080421/https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm385663.htm | url-status=live }} {{PD-notice}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Industry Resources on the Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label | website=U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) | date=21 December 2018 | url=https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/industry-resources-changes-nutrition-facts-label | access-date=16 May 2020 | archive-date=25 December 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201225063145/https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/industry-resources-changes-nutrition-facts-label | url-status=live }} {{PD-notice}}</ref> A table of the old and new adult daily values is provided at [[Reference Daily Intake]].

==Sources==
Niacin is found in a variety of [[whole food|whole]] and [[processed foods]], including [[fortified food|fortified]] [[packaged food]]s, [[meat]] from various animal sources, [[seafoods]], and [[spices]].<ref name=lpi/><ref name="usda">{{cite web|url=https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/nutrients/report/nutrientsfrm?max=25&offset=0&totCount=0&nutrient1=406&nutrient2=&nutrient3=&subset=1&fg=13&fg=1&fg=15&fg=17&fg=10&fg=5&fg=2&fg=11&sort=c&measureby=g|title=Niacin content per 100 grams; select food subset, abridged list by food groups|publisher=United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, USDA Branded Food Products Database v.3.6.4.1|date=17 January 2017|access-date=23 January 2017|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202032221/https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/nutrients/report/nutrientsfrm?max=25&offset=0&totCount=0&nutrient1=406&nutrient2=&nutrient3=&subset=1&fg=13&fg=1&fg=15&fg=17&fg=10&fg=5&fg=2&fg=11&sort=c&measureby=g|url-status=dead}}</ref> In general, animal-sourced foods provide about 5–10&nbsp;mg niacin per serving, although dairy foods and eggs have little. Some plant-sourced foods such as nuts, legumes and grains provide about 2–5&nbsp;mg niacin per serving, although in some grain products this naturally present niacin is largely bound to polysaccharides and glycopeptides, making it only about 30% bioavailable. Fortified food ingredients such as wheat flour have niacin added, which is bioavailable.<ref name="NIH Fact Sheet" /> Among whole food sources with the highest niacin content per 100 grams:

<div style="float:left; padding: 1em;">
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Source<ref name=USDANiacin>{{cite web |url=https://www.nal.usda.gov/sites/www.nal.usda.gov/files/niacin.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.nal.usda.gov/sites/www.nal.usda.gov/files/niacin.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |title= USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Legacy: Niacin |date=2018 |website=U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service |access-date=12 May 2020}}</ref>
!Amount<br /> (mg / 100g)
|-
|[[Nutritional yeast]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/custom/1323565/2 |title=Nutritional Yeast Flakes (two tablespoons = 16 grams |website=NutritionData.Self.com |access-date=13 May 2020 |archive-date=11 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411162516/https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/custom/1323565/2 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />Serving = 2 Tbsp (16 g) contains 56&nbsp;mg || 350
|-
|[[Tuna]], yellowfin || 22.1
|-
|[[Peanut]]s || 14.3
|-
|[[Peanut butter]] || 13.1
|-
|[[Bacon]] || 10.4
|-
|[[Tuna]], light, canned || 10.1
|-
|[[Salmon]] || 10.0
|-
|[[Turkey (bird)|Turkey]] depending on what part, how cooked || 7-12
|-
|[[Chicken as food|Chicken]] depending on what part, how cooked || 7-12
|}
</div>
<div style="float:left; padding: 1em;">
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Source<ref name=USDANiacin />
!Amount<br /> (mg / 100g)
|-
|[[Beef]] depending on what part, how cooked || 4-8
|-
|[[Pork]] depending on what part, how cooked || 4-8
|-
|[[Sunflower seeds]] || 7.0
|-
|[[Tuna]], white, canned || 5.8
|-
|[[Almond]]s || 3.6
|-
|[[Mushroom]]s, white || 3.6
|-
|[[Cod as food|Cod fish]] || 2.5
|-
|[[Brown rice|Rice, brown]] || 2.5
|-
|[[Hot dog]]s || 2.0
|}
</div>
<div style="float:left; padding: 1em;">
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Source<ref name=USDANiacin />
!Amount<br /> (mg / 100g)
|-
|[[Avocado]] || 1.7
|-
|[[Potato]], baked, with skin || 1.4
|-
|[[Maize]] (corn) || 1.0
|-
|[[White rice|Rice, white]] || 0.5
|-
|[[Kale]] || 0.4
|-
|[[Egg as food|Eggs]] || 0.1
|-
|[[Milk]] || 0.1
|-
|[[Cheese]] || 0.1
|-
|[[Tofu]] || 0.1
|}
</div>{{Clear}}

[[Vegetarianism|Vegetarian]] and [[Veganism|vegan]] diets can provide adequate amounts if products such as nutritional yeast, peanuts, peanut butter, tahini, brown rice, mushrooms, avocado and sunflower seeds are included. Fortified foods and dietary supplements can also be consumed to ensure adequate intake.<ref name="NIH Fact Sheet" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vivahealth.org.uk/a-z/vitamin-b3-niacin |title=Vitamin B3 (Niacin) |date=2000 |website=VivaHealth.org |access-date=12 May 2020 |archive-date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804105012/https://www.vivahealth.org.uk/a-z/vitamin-b3-niacin |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Food preparation===
Niacin naturally found in food is susceptible to destruction from high heat cooking, especially in the presence of acidic foods and sauces. It is soluble in water, and so may also be lost from foods boiled in water.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.beyondveg.com/tu-j-l/raw-cooked/raw-cooked-2e.shtml|title=Effects of Cooking on Vitamins (Table)|publisher=Beyondveg|access-date=30 April 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016010351/http://beyondveg.com/tu-j-l/raw-cooked/raw-cooked-2e.shtml|archive-date=16 October 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Food fortification===
Countries fortify foods with nutrients to address known deficiencies.<ref name=WhyFortify /> As of 2020, 54 countries required food fortification of wheat flour with niacin or niacinamide; 14 also mandate fortification of maize flour, and 6 mandate fortification of rice.<ref name=Map>{{cite web|url=https://fortificationdata.org/map-number-of-nutrients/|title=Map: Count of Nutrients In Fortification Standards|website=Global Fortification Data Exchange|access-date=4 July 2020|archive-date=11 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411123853/https://fortificationdata.org/map-number-of-nutrients/|url-status=live}}</ref> From country to country, niacin fortification ranges from 1.3 to 6.0&nbsp;mg/100 g.<ref name=Map />

===As a dietary supplement===
In the United States, niacin is sold as a non-prescription dietary supplement with a range of 100 to 1000&nbsp;mg per serving. These products often have a Structure/Function health claim<ref name=SFclaim>{{cite web |url=https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/structurefunction-claims |title=Structure/Function Claims |date=December 2017 |website=U.S. Food & Drug Administration |access-date=30 June 2020 |archive-date=10 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610032745/https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/structurefunction-claims |url-status=live }}</ref> allowed by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). An example would be "Supports a healthy blood lipid profile." The American Heart Association strongly advises against the substitution of dietary supplement niacin for prescription niacin because of potentially serious side effects, which means that niacin should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional, and because manufacture of dietary supplement niacin is not as well-regulated by the FDA as prescription niacin.<ref name=AHA>{{cite web |url=https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia/cholesterol-medications |title=Cholesterol Medications |date=10 November 2018 |website=American Heart Association |access-date=8 May 2020 |archive-date=5 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405090134/https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia/cholesterol-medications |url-status=live }}</ref> More than 30&nbsp;mg niacin consumed as a dietary supplement can cause skin flushing. Face, arms and chest skin turns a reddish color because of vasodilation of small subcutaneous blood vessels, accompanied by sensations of heat, tingling and itching. These signs and symptoms are typically transient, lasting minutes to hours; they are considered unpleasant rather than toxic.<ref name="NIH Fact Sheet" />

==As lipid-modifying medication==
In the United States, prescription niacin, in immediate-release and slow-release forms, is used to treat primary [[hyperlipidemia]] and [[hypertriglyceridemia]].<ref name=DailyMed /><ref name=Niaspan /> It is used either as a monotherapy or in combination with other lipid-modifying drugs. Dosages start at 500&nbsp;mg/day and are often gradually increased to as high as 3000&nbsp;mg/day for immediate release or 2000&nbsp;mg/day for slow release (also referred to as sustained release) to achieve the targeted lipid changes (lower LDL-C and triglycerides, and higher HDL-C).<ref name=DailyMed>{{cite web |url=https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ce739d68-d89c-437c-90fb-3c0c45140f22 |title=NIACOR-niacin tablet |date=March 2020 |website=DAILYMED, US National Library of Medicine |access-date=9 May 2020 |archive-date=9 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809105743/https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ce739d68-d89c-437c-90fb-3c0c45140f22 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Niaspan>{{cite web |url=http://www.rxabbott.com/pdf/niaspan.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.rxabbott.com/pdf/niaspan.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |title=Niaspan Patient Package and Product Information (PPPI) |date= December 2018 |access-date=9 May 2020}}</ref> Prescriptions in the US peaked in 2009, at 9.4{{nbsp}}million{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} and had declined to 800{{nbsp}}thousand by 2020.<ref name="ClinCalc Niacin" />

Systematic reviews found no effect of prescription niacin on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarctions, nor fatal or non-fatal strokes despite raising [[high-density lipoprotein|HDL]] cholesterol in patients already taking statins.<ref name=Kee2014>{{cite journal | vauthors = Keene D, Price C, Shun-Shin MJ, Francis DP | title = Effect on cardiovascular risk of high density lipoprotein targeted drug treatments niacin, fibrates, and CETP inhibitors: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials including 117,411 patients | journal = BMJ | volume = 349 | pages = g4379 | date = July 2014 | pmid = 25038074 | pmc = 4103514 | doi = 10.1136/bmj.g4379 }}</ref><ref name=Mani2015>{{cite journal |vauthors=Mani P, Rohatgi A |title=Niacin Therapy, HDL Cholesterol, and Cardiovascular Disease: Is the HDL Hypothesis Defunct? |journal=Curr Atheroscler Rep |volume=17 |issue=8 |pages=43 |date=August 2015 |pmid=26048725 |pmc=4829575 |doi=10.1007/s11883-015-0521-x }}</ref> Reported side effects include an increased risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes.<ref name=Schand2017>{{cite journal | vauthors = Schandelmaier S, Briel M, Saccilotto R, Olu KK, Arpagaus A, Hemkens LG, Nordmann AJ | title = Niacin for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 2017 | pages = CD009744 | date = June 2017 | issue = 6 | pmid = 28616955 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD009744.pub2 | pmc = 6481694 }}</ref><ref name=Ong2014 /><ref name=Goldie2016 /><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Garg A, Sharma A, Krishnamoorthy P, Garg J, Virmani D, Sharma T, Stefanini G, Kostis JB, Mukherjee D, Sikorskaya E | title = Role of Niacin in Current Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review | journal = The American Journal of Medicine | volume = 130 | issue = 2 | pages = 173–187 | date = February 2017 | pmid = 27793642 | doi = 10.1016/j.amjmed.2016.07.038 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

===Mechanisms===
Niacin reduces synthesis of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), [[lipoprotein(a)]] and [[triglycerides]], and increases [[high-density lipoprotein]] cholesterol (HDL-C).<ref name="Villines, T. C. 2012 p 14">{{cite journal | vauthors = Villines TC, Kim AS, Gore RS, Taylor AJ | s2cid = 27925461 | title = Niacin: the evidence, clinical use, and future directions | journal = Current Atherosclerosis Reports | volume = 14 | issue = 1 | pages = 49–59 | date = February 2012 | pmid = 22037771 | doi = 10.1007/s11883-011-0212-1 }}</ref> The lipid-therapeutic effects of niacin are partly mediated through the activation of [[G protein-coupled receptor]]s, including [[hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2]] (HCA<sub>2</sub>)and [[hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 3]] (HCA<sub>3</sub>), which are highly expressed in [[adipose tissue|body fat]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Soga T, Kamohara M, Takasaki J, Matsumoto S, Saito T, Ohishi T, Hiyama H, Matsuo A, Matsushime H, Furuichi K |title = Molecular identification of nicotinic acid receptor | journal = Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications | volume = 303 | issue = 1 | pages = 364–9 | date = March 2003 | pmid = 12646212 | doi = 10.1016/S0006-291X(03)00342-5 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Wise A, Foord SM, Fraser NJ, Barnes AA, Elshourbagy N, Eilert M, Ignar DM, Murdock PR, Steplewski K, Green A, Brown AJ, Dowell SJ, Szekeres PG, Hassall DG, Marshall FH, Wilson S, Pike NB | title = Molecular identification of high and low affinity receptors for nicotinic acid | journal = The Journal of Biological Chemistry | volume = 278 | issue = 11 | pages = 9869–74 | date = March 2003 | pmid = 12522134 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M210695200 | doi-access = free }}</ref> HCA<sub>2</sub> and HCA<sub>3</sub> inhibit [[cyclic adenosine monophosphate]] (cAMP) production and thus suppress the release of free [[fatty acids]] (FFAs) from body fat, reducing their availability to the liver to synthesize the blood-circulating lipids in question.<ref name="Gille, A. 2008">{{cite journal | vauthors = Gille A, Bodor ET, Ahmed K, Offermanns S | title = Nicotinic acid: pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action | journal = Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology | volume = 48 | issue = 1 | pages = 79–106 | year = 2008 | pmid = 17705685 | doi = 10.1146/annurev.pharmtox.48.113006.094746 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Wanders D, Judd RL | title = Future of GPR109A agonists in the treatment of dyslipidaemia | journal = Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism | volume = 13 | issue = 8 | pages = 685–91 | date = August 2011 | pmid = 21418500 | doi = 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2011.01400.x | s2cid = 205536280 }}</ref><ref name=Costet2010>{{cite journal |vauthors=Costet P |title=Molecular pathways and agents for lowering LDL-cholesterol in addition to statins |journal=Pharmacol Ther |volume=126 |issue=3 |pages=263–78 |date=June 2010 |pmid=20227438 |doi=10.1016/j.pharmthera.2010.02.006 }}</ref> A decrease in free fatty acids also suppresses liver expression of [[apolipoprotein C3]] and [[PPARGC1B|PPARg coactivator-1b]], thus increasing VLDL-C turnover and reducing its production.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Hernandez C, Molusky M, Li Y, Li S, Lin JD | title = Regulation of hepatic ApoC3 expression by PGC-1β mediates hypolipidemic effect of nicotinic acid | journal = Cell Metabolism | volume = 12 | issue = 4 | pages = 411–9 | date = October 2010 | pmid = 20889132 | pmc = 2950832 | doi = 10.1016/j.cmet.2010.09.001 }}</ref> Niacin also directly inhibits the action of [[diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2]] (DGAT2) a key enzyme for triglyceride synthesis.<ref name=Costet2010/>

The mechanism behind niacin increasing HDL-C is not totally understood, but seems to occur in various ways. Niacin increases [[apolipoprotein A1]] levels by inhibiting the breakdown of this protein, which is a component of HDL-C.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Malik S, Kashyap ML |s2cid=27918392 |title=Niacin, lipids, and heart disease |journal=Curr Cardiol Rep |volume=5 |issue=6 |pages=470–6 |date=November 2003 |pmid=14558989 |doi=10.1007/s11886-003-0109-x }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Creider JC, Hegele RA, Joy TR | s2cid = 22526314 | title = Niacin: another look at an underutilized lipid-lowering medication | journal = Nature Reviews. Endocrinology | volume = 8 | issue = 9 | pages = 517–28 | date = September 2012 | pmid = 22349076 | doi = 10.1038/nrendo.2012.22 }}</ref> It also inhibits HDL-C hepatic uptake by suppressing production of the [[cholesterol ester transfer protein]] (CETP) gene.<ref name="Villines, T. C. 2012 p 14"/> It stimulates the [[ABCA1|ABCA1 transporter]] in monocytes and macrophages and [[Downregulation and upregulation|upregulates]] [[peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma]], resulting in reverse cholesterol transport.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rubic T, Trottmann M, Lorenz RL | title = Stimulation of CD36 and the key effector of reverse cholesterol transport ATP-binding cassette A1 in monocytoid cells by niacin | journal = Biochemical Pharmacology | volume = 67 | issue = 3 | pages = 411–9 | date = February 2004 | pmid = 15037193 | doi = 10.1016/j.bcp.2003.09.014 }}</ref>

===Combined with statins===
Extended release niacin was combined with [[lovastatin]] (Advicor), and with [[simvastatin]] (Simcor), as prescription drug combinations. The combination niacin/lovastatin was approved by the U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) in 2001.<ref name=Advicor>{{cite web |url=https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2001/21-249_Advicor.cfm |title=Drug Approval Package: Advicor (Niacin Extended-Release & Lovastatin) NDA #21-249 |date=13 September 2002 |website=U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) |access-date=17 May 2020 |archive-date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804174117/https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2001/21-249_Advicor.cfm |url-status=live }}</ref> The combination niacin/simvastatin was approved by the FDA in 2008.<ref>{{cite web | title=Drug Approval Package: Simcor (Niacin/Simvastatin) NDA #022078 | website=U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) | date=31 July 2008 | url=https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2008/022078s000TOC.cfm | access-date=14 November 2022 | archive-date=14 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114011457/https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2008/022078s000TOC.cfm | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Simcor>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/abbott-receives-fda-approval-simcor-niaspan-simvastatin-novel-combination-medicine-comprehensive-846.html | work = Drugs.com | title = Abbott Receives FDA Approval for Simcor (Niaspan / simvastatin), a Novel Combination Medicine for Comprehensive Cholesterol Management |access-date=2008-03-15 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805074725/https://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/abbott-receives-fda-approval-simcor-niaspan-simvastatin-novel-combination-medicine-comprehensive-846.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, large outcome trials using these niacin and statin therapies were unable to demonstrate incremental benefit of niacin beyond statin therapy alone.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Toth PP, Murthy AM, Sidhu MS, Boden WE |title=Is HPS2-THRIVE the death knell for niacin? |journal=J Clin Lipidol |volume=9 |issue=3 |pages=343–50 |date=2015 |pmid=26073392 |doi=10.1016/j.jacl.2015.01.008 }}</ref> The FDA withdrew approval of both drugs in 2016. The reason given: "Based on the collective evidence from several large cardiovascular outcome trials, the Agency has concluded that the totality of the scientific evidence no longer supports the conclusion that a drug-induced reduction in triglyceride levels and/or increase in HDL-cholesterol levels in statin-treated patients results in a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events." The drug company discontinued the drugs.<ref name=FDAWithdrawal>{{cite web |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/04/18/2016-08894/abbvie-inc-withdrawal-of-approval-of-new-drug-applications-for-advicor-and-simcor |title=AbbVie Inc.; Withdrawal of Approval of New Drug Applications for Advicor and Simcor |date=18 April 2016 |website=U.S. Federal Register |access-date=17 May 2020 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805003411/https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/04/18/2016-08894/abbvie-inc-withdrawal-of-approval-of-new-drug-applications-for-advicor-and-simcor |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Contraindications===
Prescription immediate release (Niacor) and extended release (Niaspan) niacin are [[contraindicated]] for people with either active or a history of [[liver disease]] because both, but especially Niaspan, have been associated with instances of serious, on occasion fatal, liver failure.<ref name=Niaspan /><ref name="ReferenceB"/> Both products are contraindicated for people with existing [[peptic ulcer disease]], or other bleeding problems because niacin lowers platelet count and interferes with blood clotting.<ref name=DailyMed /><ref name=Niaspan /><ref name="ReferenceB"/> Both products are also contraindicated for women who are pregnant or expecting to become pregnant because safety during pregnancy has not been evaluated in human trials. These products are contraindicated for women who are lactating because it is known that niacin is excreted into human milk, but the amount and potential for adverse effects in the nursing infant are not known. Women are advised to either not nurse their child or discontinue the drug. High-dose niacin has not been tested or approved for use in children under 16 years.<ref name=DailyMed /><ref name=Niaspan /><ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web | title=Niaspan- niacin tablet, film coated, extended release | website=DailyMed | date=20 August 2013 | url=https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0dd18020-c211-423d-b3d8-a926ae626e14 | access-date=14 November 2022 | archive-date=14 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114011459/https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0dd18020-c211-423d-b3d8-a926ae626e14 | url-status=live }}</ref>

===Adverse effects===
The most common adverse effects of medicinal niacin ({{nowrap|500–3000&nbsp;mg}}) are flushing (e.g., warmth, redness, itching or tingling) of the face, neck and chest, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, [[dyspepsia]], nausea, vomiting, [[rhinitis]], [[pruritus]] and rash.<ref name=lpi/><ref name="NIH Fact Sheet" /><ref name="ReferenceB"/> These can be minimized by initiating therapy at low dosages, increasing dosage gradually, and avoiding administration on an empty stomach.<ref name="ReferenceB"/>

The acute adverse effects of high-dose niacin therapy ({{nowrap|1–3&nbsp;grams per day}}) &ndash; which is commonly used in the treatment of [[hyperlipidemia]]s &ndash; can further include [[hypotension]], fatigue, [[glucose intolerance]] and [[insulin resistance]], heartburn, blurred or impaired vision, and [[macular edema]].<ref name=lpi/><ref name="NIH Fact Sheet" /> With long-term use, the adverse effects of high-dose niacin therapy (750&nbsp;mg per day) also include [[liver failure]] (associated with fatigue, nausea, and [[loss of appetite]]), [[hepatitis]], and [[acute liver failure]];<ref name=lpi/><ref name="NIH Fact Sheet" /> these hepatotoxic effects of niacin occur more often when extended-release [[dosage form]]s are used.<ref name=lpi/><ref name="NIH Fact Sheet" /> The long-term use of niacin at greater than or equal to 2&nbsp;grams per day also significantly increases the [[risk ratio|risk]] of [[cerebral hemorrhage]], [[ischemic stroke]], [[gastrointestinal ulcer]]ation and [[gastrointestinal bleeding|bleeding]], [[diabetes]], [[dyspepsia]], and diarrhea.<ref name="NIH Fact Sheet">{{cite web |title=Niacin Fact Sheet for Health Professionals |publisher=Office of Dietary Supplements, US National Institutes of Health |date=3 June 2020 |url=https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Niacin-HealthProfessional/ |access-date=29 June 2020 |archive-date=23 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623034635/https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Niacin-HealthProfessional/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Flushing====
[[Flushing (physiology)|Flushing]] &ndash; a short-term [[vasodilation|dilatation]] of skin [[arteriole]]s, causing reddish skin color &ndash; usually lasts for about 15 to 30 minutes, although sometimes can persist for weeks. Typically, the face is affected, but the reaction can extend to neck and upper chest. The cause is blood vessel dilation<ref name=lpi/><ref name="NIH Fact Sheet" /> due to elevation in prostaglandin GD<sub>2</sub> ([[PGD2]]) and [[serotonin]].<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Benyó Z, Gille A, Kero J, Csiky M, Suchánková MC, Nüsing RM, Moers A, Pfeffer K, Offermanns S | title = GPR109A (PUMA-G/HM74A) mediates nicotinic acid-induced flushing | journal = The Journal of Clinical Investigation | volume = 115 | issue = 12 | pages = 3634–40 | date = December 2005 | pmid = 16322797 | pmc = 1297235 | doi = 10.1172/JCI23626 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Benyó Z, Gille A, Bennett CL, Clausen BE, Offermanns S | s2cid = 30199951 | title = Nicotinic acid-induced flushing is mediated by activation of epidermal langerhans cells | journal = Molecular Pharmacology | volume = 70 | issue = 6 | pages = 1844–9 | date = December 2006 | pmid = 17008386 | doi = 10.1124/mol.106.030833 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Maciejewski-Lenoir D, Richman JG, Hakak Y, Gaidarov I, Behan DP, Connolly DT | title = Langerhans cells release prostaglandin D2 in response to nicotinic acid | journal = The Journal of Investigative Dermatology | volume = 126 | issue = 12 | pages = 2637–46 | date = December 2006 | pmid = 17008871 | doi = 10.1038/sj.jid.5700586 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Flushing was often thought to involve histamine, but histamine has been shown not to be involved in the reaction.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite journal | vauthors = Papaliodis D, Boucher W, Kempuraj D, Michaelian M, Wolfberg A, House M, Theoharides TC | s2cid = 5609632 | title = Niacin-induced "flush" involves release of prostaglandin D2 from mast cells and serotonin from platelets: evidence from human cells in vitro and an animal model | journal = The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | volume = 327 | issue = 3 | pages = 665–72 | date = December 2008 | pmid = 18784348 | doi = 10.1124/jpet.108.141333 }}</ref> Flushing is sometimes accompanied by a prickly or [[itching]] sensation, in particular, in areas covered by clothing.<ref name="NIH Fact Sheet" />

Prevention of flushing requires altering or blocking the prostaglandin-mediated pathway.<ref name="NIH Fact Sheet" /><ref name="kamanna">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kamanna VS, Kashyap ML | title = Mechanism of action of niacin | journal = The American Journal of Cardiology | volume = 101 | issue = 8A | pages = 20B–26B | date = April 2008 | pmid = 18375237 | doi = 10.1016/j.amjcard.2008.02.029 }}</ref> [[Aspirin]] taken half an hour before the niacin prevents flushing, as does [[ibuprofen]]. Taking niacin with meals also helps reduce this side effect.<ref name="NIH Fact Sheet" /> Acquired tolerance will also help reduce flushing; after several weeks of a consistent dose, most people no longer experience flushing.<ref name="NIH Fact Sheet" /> Slow- or "sustained"-release forms of niacin have been developed to lessen these side effects.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite book |author=Katzung, Bertram G. |title=Basic and clinical pharmacology |publisher=McGraw-Hill Medical Publishing Division |location=New York |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-07-145153-6 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Options for therapeutic intervention: How effective are the different agents? | journal = European Heart Journal Supplements | volume = 8 | pages = F47–F53 | doi = 10.1093/eurheartj/sul041 | vauthors = Barter P | date = October 2006 | issue = F| doi-access = free }}</ref>

====Liver damage====
Niacin in medicinal doses can cause modest elevations in serum [[transaminase]] and unconjugated [[bilirubin]], both biomarkers of liver injury. The increases usually resolve even when drug intake is continued.<ref name=LiverTox2014>{{cite book |title = IN: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury (Internet) |chapter = Niacin |publisher=National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases |pmid=31643504 |date=February 2014 |location = Bethesda, MD }}</ref><ref name="bil1" /><ref name="bil2" /> However, less commonly, the sustained release form of the drug can lead to serious [[hepatotoxicity]], with onset in days to weeks. Early symptoms of serious liver damage include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, followed by [[jaundice]] and [[Itch|pruritus]]. The mechanism is thought to be a direct toxicity of elevated serum niacin. Lowering dose or switching to the immediate release form can resolve symptoms. In rare instances the injury is severe, and progresses to liver failure.<ref name=LiverTox2014 />

====Diabetes====
The high doses of niacin used to treat [[hyperlipidemia]] have been shown to elevate [[blood sugar|fasting blood glucose]] in people with type 2 [[diabetes mellitus|diabetes]].<ref name=Ong2014>{{cite journal |vauthors=Ong KL, Barter PJ, Waters DD |title=Cardiovascular drugs that increase the risk of new-onset diabetes |journal=Am. Heart J. |volume=167 |issue=4 |pages=421–8 |date=April 2014 |pmid=24655688 |doi=10.1016/j.ahj.2013.12.025 |s2cid=205306912 |url=http://www.escholarship.org/uc/item/6gd606b1 |access-date=27 June 2020 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628180527/https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6gd606b1 |url-status=live |hdl=1959.4/unsworks_43825 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> Long-term niacin therapy was also associated with an increase in the risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes.<ref name=Ong2014 /><ref name=Goldie2016>{{cite journal | vauthors = Goldie C, Taylor AJ, Nguyen P, McCoy C, Zhao XQ, Preiss D | title = Niacin therapy and the risk of new-onset diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials | journal = Heart | volume = 102 | issue = 3 | pages = 198–203 | date = February 2016 | pmid = 26370223 | pmc = 4752613 | doi = 10.1136/heartjnl-2015-308055 }}</ref>

====Other adverse effects====
High doses of niacin can also cause niacin [[maculopathy]], a thickening of the [[macula]] and [[retina]], which leads to blurred vision and blindness. This maculopathy is reversible after niacin intake ceases.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Domanico D, Verboschi F, Altimari S, Zompatori L, Vingolo EM |title=Ocular Effects of Niacin: A Review of the Literature |journal=Med Hypothesis Discov Innov Ophthalmol |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=64–71 |date=2015 |pmid=26060832 |pmc=4458328 }}</ref> Niaspan, the slow-release product, has been associated with a reduction in platelet content and a modest increase in prothrombin time.<ref name=Niaspan />

==Pharmacology==

===Pharmacodynamics===
Activating HCA<sub>2</sub> has effects other than lowering serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations: antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, improved [[endothelium|endothelial]] function and [[atheroma|plaque]] stability, all of which counter development and progression of atherosclerosis.<ref name=Zeman2015>{{cite journal |vauthors=Zeman M, Vecka M, Perlík F, Hromádka R, Staňková B, Tvrzická E, Žák A |title=Niacin in the Treatment of Hyperlipidemias in Light of New Clinical Trials: Has Niacin Lost its Place? |journal=Med. Sci. Monit. |volume=21 |pages=2156–62 |date=July 2015 |pmid=26210594 |pmc=4523006 |doi=10.12659/MSM.893619 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Wu BJ, Yan L, Charlton F, Witting P, Barter PJ, Rye KA | title = Evidence that niacin inhibits acute vascular inflammation and improves endothelial dysfunction independent of changes in plasma lipids | journal = Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology | volume = 30 | issue = 5 | pages = 968–75 | date = May 2010 | pmid = 20167660 | doi = 10.1161/ATVBAHA.109.201129 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

Niacin [[Enzyme inhibitor|inhibits]] [[cytochrome P450]] enzymes [[CYP2E1]], [[CYP2D6]] and [[CYP3A4]].<ref name = "Gaudineau_2004">{{cite journal | vauthors = Gaudineau C, Auclair K | title = Inhibition of human P450 enzymes by nicotinic acid and nicotinamide | journal = Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications | volume = 317 | issue = 3 | pages = 950–6 | date = May 2004 | pmid = 15081432 | doi = 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.03.137 }}</ref> Niacin produces a rise in serum [[Bilirubin#Indirect (unconjugated)|unconjugated bilirubin]] in normal individuals and in those with [[Gilbert's Syndrome]]. However, in the Gilbert's Syndrome, the rise in bilirubin is higher and clearance is delayed longer than in normal people.<ref>{{cite book |title=Nathan and Oski's Hematology of Infancy and Childhood |pages=118–119 |isbn=9781416034308| vauthors = Orkin SH, Nathan DG |date=January 2009 |publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences }}</ref> One test used to aid in diagnosing Gilbert's Syndrome involves intravenous administration of nicotinic acid (niacin) in a dose of 50&nbsp;mg over a period of 30 seconds.<ref name="bil1">{{cite journal | vauthors = Dickey W, McAleer JJ, Callender ME | title = The Nicotinic Acid Provocation Test and Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinaemia | journal = The Ulster Medical Journal | volume = 60 | issue = 1 | pages = 49–52 | date = April 1991 | pmid = 1853497 | pmc = 2448612 }}</ref><ref name="bil2">{{cite journal | vauthors = Röllinghoff W, Paumgartner G, Preisig R | title = Nicotinic Acid Test in the Diagnosis of Gilbert's Syndrome: Correlation With Bilirubin Clearance | journal = Gut | volume = 22 | issue = 8 | pages = 663–668 | date = August 1981 | pmid = 7286783 | pmc = 1420060 | doi = 10.1136/gut.22.8.663 }}</ref>
{{See also|Niacin#Liver_damage}}

===Pharmacokinetics===
Both niacin and niacinamide are rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Said HM | title = Intestinal absorption of water-soluble vitamins in health and disease | journal = The Biochemical Journal | volume = 437 | issue = 3 | pages = 357–372 | date = August 2011 | pmid = 21749321 | pmc = 4049159 | doi = 10.1042/BJ20110326 }}</ref> Absorption is facilitated by sodium-dependent diffusion, and at higher intakes, via passive diffusion. Unlike some other vitamins, the percent absorbed does not decrease with increasing dose, so that even at amounts of 3-4 grams, absorption is nearly complete.<ref name=PKIN2020Niacin /> With a one gram dose, peak plasma concentrations of 15 to 30 μg/mL are reached within 30 to 60 minutes. Approximately 88% of an oral pharmacologic dose is eliminated by the kidneys as unchanged niacin or nicotinuric acid, its primary metabolite. The plasma elimination half-life of niacin ranges from 20 to 45 minutes.<ref name=DailyMed />

Niacin and nicotinamide are both converted into the [[coenzyme]] NAD.<ref name="isbn1-57259-153-6">{{cite book | vauthors = Cox M, Lehninger AL, Nelson DR | title = Lehninger principles of biochemistry | publisher = Worth Publishers | location = New York | year = 2000 | isbn = 978-1-57259-153-0 | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/lehningerprincip01lehn }}</ref> NAD converts to NADP by phosphorylation in the presence of the enzyme [[NAD+ kinase]]. High energy requirements (brain) or high turnover rate (gut, skin) organs are usually the most susceptible to their deficiency.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ishii N, Nishihara Y | title = Pellagra among chronic alcoholics: clinical and pathological study of 20 necropsy cases | journal = Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry | volume = 44 | issue = 3 | pages = 209–15 | date = March 1981 | pmid = 7229643 | pmc = 490893 | doi = 10.1136/jnnp.44.3.209 }}</ref> In the liver, niacinamide is converted to storage [[nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide]] (NAD). As needed, liver NAD is hydrolyzed to niacinamide and niacin for transport to tissues, there reconverted to NAD to serve as an enzyme cofactor.<ref name=PKIN2020Niacin /> Excess niacin is methylated in the liver to N<sup>1</sup>-methylnicotinamide (NMN) and excreted in urine as such or as the oxidized metabolites [[N1-Methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide|N<sup>1</sup>-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide]] and [[N1-Methyl-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide]] (2PY and 4PY). Decreased urinary content of these metabolites is a measure of niacin deficiency.<ref name=PKIN2020Niacin />

==Production==
===Biosynthesis===
[[Image:Tryptophan metabolism.svg|thumb|300px|class=skin-invert-image|Niacin, [[serotonin]] (5-hydroxytryptamine), and [[melatonin]] [[biosynthesis]] from [[tryptophan]]]]
In addition to absorbing niacin from diet, niacin can be synthesized from the [[Essential amino acid|essential]] [[amino acid]] [[tryptophan]], a five-step process with the penultimate compound being [[quinolinic acid]] (see figure). Some bacteria and plants utilize [[aspartic acid]] in a pathway that also goes to quinolinic acid.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Foster JW, Moat AG |title= Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis and pyridine nucleotide cycle metabolism in microbial systems |journal= Microbiol. Rev. |volume= 44 |issue= 1 |pages= 83–105 |date= 1 March 1980 |doi= 10.1128/MMBR.44.1.83-105.1980 |pmid= 6997723 |pmc= 373235}}</ref> For humans, the efficiency of conversion is estimated as requiring 60{{nbsp}}[[gram#SI multiples|mg]] of tryptophan to make 1{{nbsp}}mg of niacin. [[Riboflavin]], [[Vitamin B6|vitamin B<sub>6</sub>]] and [[iron]] are required for the process.<ref name=PKIN2020Niacin /> Pellagra is a consequence of a corn-dominant diet because the niacin in corn is poorly bioavailable and corn proteins are low in tryptophan compared to wheat and rice proteins.<ref name=Carpenter1983>{{cite book |doi=10.1007/978-3-0348-6540-1_12 |chapter=The Relationship of Pellagra to Corn and the Low Availability of Niacin in Cereals |title=Nutritional Adequacy, Nutrient Availability and Needs |series=Experientia Supplementum |year=1983 | vauthors = Carpenter KJ |volume=44 |pages=197–222 |pmid=6357846 |isbn=978-3-0348-6542-5 }}</ref>

===Industrial synthesis===
Nicotinic acid was first synthesized in 1867 by oxidative degradation of [[nicotine]] with [[potassium chromate]] and [[sulfuric acid]]<ref name=Ullmann2015/> — this is the origin of the name.<ref name=JAMA1942a>{{cite journal|title=Niacin and Nicotinic Acid|date=7 March 1942|volume=118|issue=10|doi=10.1001/jama.1942.02830100053014|journal=Journal of the American Medical Association|page=823}}</ref> Niacin is prepared by hydrolysis of [[nicotinonitrile]], which, as described above, is generated by oxidation of 3-picoline. Oxidation can be effected by air, but [[ammoxidation]] is more efficient. In the latter process, nicotinonitrile is produced by ammoxidation of [[3-methylpyridine]]. [[Nitrile hydratase]] is then used to catalyze nicotinonitrile to nicotinamide, which can be converted to niacin.<ref>{{Ullmann|vauthors=Abe N, Ichimura H, Kataoka T, Morishita S, Shimizu S, Shoji T, Watanabe N |year=2007 |doi=10.1002/14356007.a22_399|title=Pyridine and Pyridine Derivatives|isbn=978-3527306732}}</ref> Alternatively, ammonia, acetic acid and paraldehyde are used to make [[5-Ethyl-2-methyl-pyridine|5-ethyl-2-methyl-pyridine]], which is then oxidized to niacin.<ref name=LONZA>{{cite journal | vauthors = Eschenmooser W |title=100 Years of Progress with LONZA |journal=CHIMIA |date=June 1997 |volume=51 |issue=6 |pages=259–69 |doi=10.2533/chimia.1997.259 |s2cid=100485418 |doi-access=free }}</ref> New "greener" catalysts are being tested using manganese-substituted aluminophosphates that use acetyl peroxyborate as non-corrosive oxidant, avoiding producing nitrogen oxides as do traditional ammoxidations.<ref>{{cite journal| author = Sarah Everts| title = Clean Catalysis: Environmentally friendly synthesis of niacin generates less inorganic waste| journal = Chemical & Engineering News| year = 2008| issn = 0009-2347}}</ref>

The demand for commercial production includes for animal feed and for food fortification meant for human consumption. According to ''[[Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry]]'', worldwide 31,000 tons of nicotinamide were sold in 2014.<ref name=Ullmann2015>{{cite encyclopedia|encyclopedia = Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry|year = 2015|publisher = [[Wiley-VCH]]|location = Weinheim|isbn = 978-3-527-30385-4|edition = 6th|title = Vitamins, 11. Niacin (Nicotinic Acid, Nicotinamide|pages = 1–9| vauthors = Blum R |doi = 10.1002/14356007.o27_o14.pub2|chapter = Vitamins, 11. Niacin (Nicotinic Acid, Nicotinamide)}}</ref>

===Climate impact===
The production of niacin creates [[nitrous oxide]] as a by-product, which is a potent greenhouse gas. In 2018, it was discovered that a niacin factory in [[Visp]], Switzerland, was responsible for around one percent of the country's greenhouse gas emissions.<ref>{{cite web | vauthors = Lenz C | title = The climate disgrace of Visp | newspaper = European Press Prize | year = 2021 | url = https://www.europeanpressprize.com/article/the-climate-disgrace-of-visp/ | access-date = 8 September 2023 | archive-date = 8 September 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230908132352/https://www.europeanpressprize.com/article/the-climate-disgrace-of-visp/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Eventually, catalytic scrubbing technology that eliminates most of the emissions was installed in 2021.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Davidson EA, Winiwarter W |title=Urgent abatement of industrial sources of nitrous oxide |journal=Nature Climate Change |date=July 2023 |volume=13 |issue=7 |pages=599–601 |doi=10.1038/s41558-023-01723-3|bibcode=2023NatCC..13..599D }}</ref>

==Chemistry==
This colorless, water-soluble solid is a derivative of [[pyridine]], with a [[carboxyl group]] (COOH) at the 3-position.<ref name=PKIN2020Niacin/> Other forms of vitamin B<sub>3</sub> include the corresponding [[amide]] [[nicotinamide]] (niacinamide), where the carboxyl group has been replaced by a [[carboxamide]] group ({{chem|CONH|2}}).<ref name=PKIN2020Niacin/>

==Preparations==
[[File:Inositol nicotinate.png|thumb|class=skin-invert-image|[[Inositol]] hexanicotinate]]
Niacin is incorporated into multi-vitamin and sold as a single-ingredient dietary supplement. The latter can be immediate or slow release.<ref name=Dunatchik>{{cite journal | vauthors = Dunatchik AP, Ito MK, Dujovne CA | title = A systematic review on evidence of the effectiveness and safety of a wax-matrix niacin formulation | journal = Journal of Clinical Lipidology | volume = 6 | issue = 2 | pages = 121–31 | date = 1 March 2012 | pmid = 22385545 | doi = 10.1016/j.jacl.2011.07.003 }}</ref>

[[Nicotinamide]] (niacinamide) is used to treat niacin deficiency because it does not cause the flushing adverse reaction seen with niacin. Nicotinamide may be toxic to the liver at doses exceeding 3{{nbsp}}g/day for adults.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Knip M, Douek IF, Moore WP, Gillmor HA, McLean AE, Bingley PJ, Gale EA | title = Safety of high-dose nicotinamide: a review | journal = Diabetologia | volume = 43 | issue = 11 | pages = 1337–45 | date = November 2000 | pmid = 11126400 | doi = 10.1007/s001250051536 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

Prescription products can be immediate release (Niacor, 500&nbsp;mg tablets) or [[extended release]] (Niaspan, 500 and 1000&nbsp;mg tablets). Niaspan has a film coating that delays release of the niacin, resulting in an absorption over a period of 8–12 hours. This reduces [[vasodilation]] and [[flushing (physiology)|flushing]] side effects, but increases the risk of [[hepatotoxicity]] compared to the immediate release drug.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bassan M | title = A case for immediate-release niacin | journal = Heart & Lung | volume = 41 | issue = 1 | pages = 95–8 | year = 2012 | pmid = 21414665 | doi = 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2010.07.019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Reiche I, Westphal S, Martens-Lobenhoffer J, Tröger U, Luley C, Bode-Böger SM | title = Pharmacokinetics and dose recommendations of Niaspan in chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients | journal = Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation | volume = 26 | issue = 1 | pages = 276–82 | date = January 2011 | pmid = 20562093 | doi = 10.1093/ndt/gfq344 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

Prescription niacin preparations in combination with statin drugs (discontinued) are described above. A combination of niacin and [[laropiprant]] had been approved for use in Europe and marketed as Tredaptive. Laropiprant is a [[prostaglandin D2]] binding drug shown to reduce niacin-induced vasodilation and flushing side effects.<ref name="Villines, T. C. 2012 p 14"/><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lai E, De Lepeleire I, Crumley TM, Liu F, Wenning LA, Michiels N, Vets E, O'Neill G, Wagner JA, Gottesdiener K | title = Suppression of niacin-induced vasodilation with an antagonist to prostaglandin D2 receptor subtype 1 | journal = Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics | volume = 81 | issue = 6 | pages = 849–57 | date = June 2007 | pmid = 17392721 | doi = 10.1038/sj.clpt.6100180 | s2cid = 2126240 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Paolini JF, Bays HE, Ballantyne CM, Davidson M, Pasternak R, Maccubbin D, Norquist JM, Lai E, Waters MG, Kuznetsova O, Sisk CM, Mitchel YB | title = Extended-release niacin/laropiprant: reducing niacin-induced flushing to better realize the benefit of niacin in improving cardiovascular risk factors | journal = Cardiology Clinics | volume = 26 | issue = 4 | pages = 547–60 | date = November 2008 | pmid = 19031552 | doi = 10.1016/j.ccl.2008.06.007 }}</ref> A clinical trial showed no additional efficacy of Tredaptive in lowering cholesterol when used together with other statin drugs, but did show an increase in other side effects.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Landray MJ, Haynes R, Hopewell JC, Parish S, Aung T, Tomson J, Wallendszus K, Craig M, Jiang L, Collins R, Armitage J |title=Effects of extended-release niacin with laropiprant in high-risk patients |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=371 |issue=3 |pages=203–12 |date=July 2014 |pmid=25014686 |doi=10.1056/NEJMoa1300955 |s2cid=23548060 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The study resulted in the withdrawal of Tredaptive from the international market.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/777519|title=Niacin/Laropiprant Products to Be Suspended Worldwide|vauthors=Nainggolan L|date=11 January 2013|website=Medscape|access-date=20 February 2017|archive-date=26 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426032404/http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/777519|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-merck-cholesteroldrug-withdrawal-idUSBRE90A0MB20130111?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews | work=Reuters | title=Merck begins overseas recall of HDL cholesterol drug | date=11 January 2013 | access-date=6 July 2021 | archive-date=21 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421215022/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-merck-cholesteroldrug-withdrawal-idUSBRE90A0MB20130111?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews | url-status=live }}</ref>

One form of dietary supplement sold in the US is inositol hexanicotinate (IHN), also called [[inositol nicotinate]]. This is [[inositol]] that has been [[ester]]ified with niacin on all six of inositol's alcohol groups.<ref name="efsa.europa.eu">{{cite journal | journal = The EFSA Journal | date = January 2009 | volume = 949 | pages = 1–20 | title = Inositol hexanicotinate (inositol hexaniacinate) as a source of niacin (vitamin B3) added for nutritional purposes in food supplements | vauthors = Aguilar F, Charrondiere UR, Dusemund B, Galtier PM, Gilbert J, Gott DM, Grilli S, Guertler R, Kass GE, Koenig J, Lambré C, Larsen JC, Mortensen A, Parent-Massin D, Pratt I, Rietjens IM, Stankovic I, Tobback P, Verguieva T, Woutersen RA | url = https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/949 | access-date = 4 March 2017 | archive-date = 5 March 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170305035332/https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/949 | url-status = live }}</ref> IHN is usually sold as "flush-free" or "no-flush" niacin in units of 250, 500, or 1000&nbsp;mg/tablets or capsules. In the US, it is sold as an over-the-counter formulation, and often is marketed and labeled as niacin, thus misleading consumers into thinking they are getting an active form of the medication. While this form of niacin does not cause the flushing associated with the immediate-release products, there is not enough evidence to recommend IHN to treat hyperlipidemia.<ref name=Taheri>{{cite web | url = http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/447528 | title = No-Flush Niacin for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia | vauthors = Taheri | website = [[Medscape]] | date = 15 January 2003 | access-date = 31 March 2008 | archive-date = 5 December 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081205051549/http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/447528 | url-status = live }}</ref>

==History==
{{Further|Vitamin#History}}

Niacin as a chemical compound was first described by chemist [[Hugo Weidel]] in 1873 in his studies of [[nicotine]],<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Weidel H | title = Zur Kenntniss des Nicotins | journal = [[Justus Liebigs Annalen der Chemie und Pharmacie]] | year = 1873 | volume = 165 | pages = 330–49 | doi = 10.1002/jlac.18731650212 | issue = 2 | url = https://zenodo.org/record/1427317 | access-date = 3 July 2019 | archive-date = 4 August 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200804134952/https://zenodo.org/record/1427317 | url-status = live }}</ref> but that predated by many years the concept of food components other than protein, fat and carbohydrates that were essential for life. Vitamin nomenclature was initially alphabetical, with [[Elmer McCollum]] calling these fat-soluble A and water-soluble B.<ref name=Combs2007 /> Over time, eight chemically distinct, water-soluble B vitamins were isolated and numbered, with niacin as vitamin B<sub>3</sub>.<ref name=Combs2007>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1CMHiWum0Y4C&pg=PA16|title=The Vitamins: Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health|edition=3rd|vauthors=Combs GF|date=2007|pages=7–33|publisher=Elsevier, Boston, MA|isbn=978-0-080-56130-1|access-date=30 June 2020|archive-date=13 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113023205/https://books.google.com/books?id=1CMHiWum0Y4C&pg=PA16|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Further|Pellagra#History}}
Corn (maize) became a staple food in the southeast United States and in parts of Europe. A disease that was characterized by dermatitis of sunlight-exposed skin was described in Spain in 1735 by [[Gaspar Casal]]. He attributed the cause to poor diet.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Casal G |chapter=The natural and medical history of the principality of the Asturias |title=Classic Descriptions of Disease | veditors = Major RH |edition=3rd |location=Springfield |publisher=Charles C Thomas |year=1945 |pages=607–12}}</ref> In northern Italy it was named "pellagra" from the [[Lombard language]] (''agra'' = [[holly]]-like or [[Serous fluid|serum]]-like; ''pell'' = skin).<ref>F. Cherubini, ''Vocabolario Milanese-Italiano'', Imp. Regia Stamperia, 1840-43, vol. I, III.</ref><ref>{{cite web| title = Definition of Pellagra| work = MedicineNet.com| url = http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4821|access-date=2007-06-18|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930155704/http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4821| archive-date = 2007-09-30}}</ref> In time, the disease was more closely linked specifically to corn.<ref>Cesare Lombroso, ''Studi clinici ed esperimentali sulla natura, causa e terapia delle pellagra'' (Bologna: Fava e Garagnani, 1869)</ref> In the US, [[Joseph Goldberger]] was assigned to study pellagra by the Surgeon General of the United States. His studies confirmed a corn-based diet as the culprit, but he did not identify the root cause.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Evans BK,Feinstein AR | s2cid = 13226008 | title = Joseph Goldberger: an unsung hero of American clinical epidemiology | journal = Ann Intern Med | date=September 1994| volume = 121 | issue = 5 | pages = 372–75 | pmid = 8042827 | doi=10.7326/0003-4819-121-5-199409010-00010}}</ref><ref name=Kraut>{{Cite web|url=https://history.nih.gov/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=8883184|title=Dr. Joseph Goldberger and the War on Pellagra {{!}} Ashes on the Potomac|vauthors=Kraut A|website=history.nih.gov|access-date=20 February 2017|archive-date=9 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509172705/https://history.nih.gov/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=8883184|url-status=live}}</ref>

Nicotinic acid was extracted from liver by biochemist [[Conrad Elvehjem]] in 1937. He later identified the active ingredient, referring to it as "pellagra-preventing factor" and the "anti-blacktongue factor."<ref name=Elvehjem>{{cite journal |vauthors=Elvehjem CA, Madden RJ, Strongandd FM, Woolley DW |year=1938 |title=The isolation and identification of the anti-blacktongue factor J |journal = J. Biol. Chem. |volume=123 |pages=137–49 |url=http://www.jbc.org/content/123/1/137.full.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.jbc.org/content/123/1/137.full.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |issue=1|doi=10.1016/S0021-9258(18)74164-1 |doi-access=free }}</ref> It was also referred to as "vitamin PP", "vitamin P-P" and "PP-factor", all derived from the term "pellagra-preventive factor".<ref name="Pellagra And Its Prevention">{{cite report|vauthors=((World Health Organization)) | title=Pellagra And Its Prevention And Control In Major Emergencies|publisher=[[World Health Organization]] (WHO) | year=2000 | hdl=10665/66704 | hdl-access=free | id=WHO/NHD/00.10}}</ref> In the late 1930s, studies by [[Tom Douglas Spies]], Marion Blankenhorn, and Clark Cooper confirmed that niacin cured pellagra in humans. The prevalence of the disease was greatly reduced as a result.<ref>Ruth Hanna Sachs, [https://books.google.com/books?id=WOPfM-0hz1AC&dq=%22pellagra%3A+Drs.+Tom+Douglas%22&pg=PA630 ''White Rose History''.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421215022/https://books.google.com/books?id=WOPfM-0hz1AC&dq=%22pellagra:+Drs.+Tom+Douglas%22&pg=PA630 |date=21 April 2023 }} Volume I. 2003. Appendix D, p. 2 {{ISBN|978-0-9710541-9-6}} "Men of the Year, outstanding in comprehensive science were three medical researchers who discovered that nicotinic acid was a cure for human pellagra: Drs. Tom Douglas Spies of Cincinnati General Hospital, Marion Arthur Blankenhorn of the University of Cincinnati, Clark Niel Cooper of Waterloo, Iowa."</ref>

Nicotinic acid was initially synthesized by oxidizing [[nicotine]] with [[potassium chromate]] and [[sulfuric acid]].<ref name=JAMA1942a/> Hence, in 1942, when flour [[food fortification|enrichment]] with nicotinic acid began, a headline in the popular press said "Tobacco in Your Bread." In response, the Council on Foods and Nutrition of the [[American Medical Association]] approved of the [[Food and Nutrition Board]]'s new names ''niacin'' and ''niacin amide'' for use primarily by non-scientists. It was thought appropriate to choose a name to dissociate nicotinic acid from nicotine, to avoid the perception that vitamins or niacin-rich food contains nicotine, or that cigarettes contain vitamins. The resulting name ''niacin'' was derived from ''{{strong|ni}}cotinic {{strong|ac}}id'' + ''vitam{{strong|in}}''.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Niacin and Niacin Amide| date=7 March 1942|volume=118|issue=10|doi=10.1001/jama.1942.02830100049011|journal=Journal of the American Medical Association|page=819}}</ref><ref name=JAMA1942a/>

Carpenter found in 1951, that niacin in corn is biologically unavailable, and can be released only in very alkaline [[Lime (material)|lime]] water of [[pH]] 11. This explains why a Latin-American culture that used [[Nixtamalization|alkali-treated cornmeal]] to make tortilla was not at risk for niacin deficiency.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Laguna J, Carpenter KJ | title = Raw versus processed corn in niacin-deficient diets | journal = The Journal of Nutrition | volume = 45 | issue = 1 | pages = 21–8 | date = September 1951 | pmid = 14880960 | doi = 10.1093/jn/45.1.21 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

In 1955, Altschul and colleagues described large amounts of niacin as having a lipid-lowering property.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Altschul R, Hoffer A, Stephen JD | title = Influence of nicotinic acid on serum cholesterol in man | journal = Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics | volume = 54 | issue = 2 | pages = 558–9 | date = February 1955 | pmid = 14350806 | doi = 10.1016/0003-9861(55)90070-9 }}</ref> As such, niacin is the oldest known [[Lipid-lowering agent|lipid-lowering drug]].<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Romani M, Hofer DC, Katsyuba E, Auwerx J |title=Niacin: an old lipid drug in a new NAD+ dress |journal=J. Lipid Res. |volume=60 |issue=4 |pages=741–6 |date=April 2019 |pmid=30782960 |pmc=6446705 |doi=10.1194/jlr.S092007 |doi-access=free }}</ref> [[Lovastatin]], the first '[[statin]]' drug, was first marketed in 1987.<ref name=Simons>{{cite journal | vauthors = Simons J | title = The $10 billion pill | journal = Fortune | volume = 147 | issue = 1 | pages = 58–62, 66, 68 | date = January 2003 | pmid = 12602122 | url = https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2003/01/20/335643/index.htm }}</ref>

==Research==

In [[animal model]]s and ''[[in vitro]]'', niacin produces marked anti-inflammatory effects in a variety of tissues&nbsp;– including the brain, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and [[Inflammation#Vascular component|vascular tissue]]&nbsp;– through the activation of [[hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2]] (HCA2), also known as niacin receptor 1 (NIACR1).<ref name="Niacin neuroinflammation">{{cite journal | vauthors = Offermanns S, Schwaninger M | title = Nutritional or pharmacological activation of HCA(2) ameliorates neuroinflammation | journal = Trends in Molecular Medicine | volume = 21 | issue = 4 | pages = 245–55 | date = April 2015 | pmid = 25766751 | doi = 10.1016/j.molmed.2015.02.002}}</ref><ref name="Niacin vascular inflammation">{{cite journal | vauthors = Chai JT, Digby JE, Choudhury RP | title = GPR109A and vascular inflammation | journal = Current Atherosclerosis Reports | volume = 15 | issue = 5 | pages = 325 | date = May 2013 | pmid = 23526298 | pmc = 3631117 | doi = 10.1007/s11883-013-0325-9 }}</ref><ref name="NIACR1 anti-inflammatory effects">{{cite journal | vauthors = Graff EC, Fang H, Wanders D, Judd RL | title = Anti-inflammatory effects of the hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 | journal = Metabolism | volume = 65 | issue = 2 | pages = 102–13 | date = February 2016 | pmid = 26773933 | doi = 10.1016/j.metabol.2015.10.001 }}</ref><ref name="Niacin-NIACR1 in PD">{{cite journal | vauthors = Wakade C, Chong R | s2cid = 29760853 | title = A novel treatment target for Parkinson's disease | journal = Journal of the Neurological Sciences | volume = 347 | issue = 1–2 | pages = 34–8 | date = December 2014 | pmid = 25455298 | doi = 10.1016/j.jns.2014.10.024 }}</ref> Unlike niacin, nicotinamide does not activate NIACR1; however, both niacin and nicotinamide activate the [[G protein-coupled estrogen receptor]] (GPER) ''in vitro''.<ref name="Niacin-nicotinamide GPER primary">{{cite journal | vauthors = Santolla MF, De Francesco EM, Lappano R, Rosano C, Abonante S, Maggiolini M | title = Niacin activates the G protein estrogen receptor (GPER)-mediated signalling | journal = Cellular Signalling | volume = 26 | issue = 7 | pages = 1466–75 | date = July 2014 | pmid = 24662263 | doi = 10.1016/j.cellsig.2014.03.011 }}</ref>

In 2024, it was reported that metabolites of niacin promote vascular inflammation and contribute to the risk of developing [[atherosclerosis]].<ref name="Mole2024">{{cite news | vauthors = Mole B |title=Surprising link found between niacin and risk of heart attack and stroke |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/02/surprising-link-found-between-niacin-and-risk-of-heart-attack-and-stroke/ |access-date=24 May 2024 |publisher=Ars Technica |date=26 Feb 2024}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}


{{Vitamin}}
{{Vitamin}}
{{Peripheral vasodilators}}
{{Peripheral vasodilators}}
{{Lipid modifying agents}}
{{Lipid modifying agents}}
{{Estrogen receptor modulators}}
{{GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators}}
{{Portal bar | Medicine}}


[[Category:Drugs developed by AbbVie]]
[[Category:Aromatic acids]]
[[Category:B vitamins]]
[[Category:CYP2D6 inhibitors]]
[[Category:CYP3A4 inhibitors]]
[[Category:GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators]]
[[Category:GPER agonists]]
[[Category:Hypolipidemic agents]]
[[Category:Hypolipidemic agents]]
[[Category:B vitamins]]
[[Category:3-Pyridyl compounds]]
[[Category:Pyridines]]
[[Category:Multiple Chemboxes|X]]
[[Category:Carboxylic acids]]

[[ar:فيتامين بي3]]
[[bs:Vitamin B3]]
[[cs:Niacin]]
[[da:Niacin]]
[[de:Nicotinsäure]]
[[et:Niatsiin]]
[[es:Vitamina B3]]
[[fr:Vitamine B3]]
[[gl:Vitamina B3]]
[[ko:니코틴산]]
[[hr:Vitamin B3]]
[[it:Niacina]]
[[he:ויטמין B3]]
[[ka:ნიკოტინმჟავა]]
[[lb:Niacin]]
[[lt:Niacinas]]
[[hu:Niacin]]
[[nl:Nicotinezuur]]
[[ja:ナイアシン]]
[[no:Niacin]]
[[pl:Witamina PP]]
[[pt:Niacina]]
[[ru:Никотиновая кислота]]
[[simple:Niacin]]
[[sk:Niacín]]
[[sr:Витамин Б3]]
[[sh:Vitamin B3]]
[[fi:Niasiini]]
[[sv:Niacin]]
[[th:วิตามินบี3]]
[[tr:Niyasin]]
[[uk:Ніацин]]
[[zh:烟酸]]

Latest revision as of 14:49, 24 September 2024

Niacin
Kekulé, skeletal formula of niacin
Kekulé, skeletal formula of niacin
Ball and stick model of niacin
Ball and stick model of niacin
Names
Pronunciation /ˈnəsɪn/
Preferred IUPAC name
Pyridine-3-carboxylic acid[1]
Other names
  • Nicotinic acid (INN)
  • Bionic
  • Vitamin B3
  • Vitamin PP
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
3DMet
109591
ChEBI
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
DrugBank
ECHA InfoCard 100.000.401 Edit this at Wikidata
EC Number
  • 200-441-0
3340
KEGG
MeSH Niacin
RTECS number
  • QT0525000
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C6H5NO2/c8-6(9)5-2-1-3-7-4-5/h1-4H,(H,8,9) checkY
    Key: PVNIIMVLHYAWGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
  • InChI=1/C6H5NO2/c8-6(9)5-2-1-3-7-4-5/h1-4H,(H,8,9)
    Key: PVNIIMVLHYAWGP-UHFFFAOYAA
  • OC(=O)c1cccnc1
Properties
C6H5NO2
Molar mass 123.111 g·mol−1
Appearance White, translucent crystals
Density 1.473 g cm−3
Melting point 237 °C; 458 °F; 510 K
18 g L−1
log P 0.219
Acidity (pKa) 2.0, 4.85
Isoelectric point 4.75
1.4936
0.1271305813 D[citation needed]
Thermochemistry
−344.9 kJ mol−1
−2.73083 MJ mol−1
Pharmacology
C04AC01 (WHO) C10BA01 (WHO) C10AD02 (WHO) C10AD52 (WHO)
License data
Intramuscular, by mouth
Pharmacokinetics:
20–45 min
Hazards
GHS labelling:
GHS07: Exclamation mark
Warning
H319
P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313, P501
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
NFPA 704 four-colored diamondHealth 1: Exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury. E.g. turpentineFlammability 1: Must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Flash point over 93 °C (200 °F). E.g. canola oilInstability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogenSpecial hazards (white): no code
1
1
0
Flash point 193 °C (379 °F; 466 K)
365 °C (689 °F; 638 K)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
checkY verify (what is checkY☒N ?)
Niacin
INN: Nicotinic acid
Clinical data
Trade namesNiacor, Niaspan, others
AHFS/Drugs.comMonograph
MedlinePlusa682518
License data
Pregnancy
category
Routes of
administration
Intramuscular, by mouth
Legal status
Legal status
  • US: OTC / Rx-only
Identifiers
PDB ligand
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
ECHA InfoCard100.000.401 Edit this at Wikidata
Space-filling model of niacin

Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is an organic compound and a vitamer of vitamin B3, an essential human nutrient.[3] It is produced by plants and animals from the amino acid tryptophan.[4] Niacin is obtained in the diet from a variety of whole and processed foods, with highest contents in fortified packaged foods, meat, poultry, red fish such as tuna and salmon, lesser amounts in nuts, legumes and seeds.[3][5] Niacin as a dietary supplement is used to treat pellagra, a disease caused by niacin deficiency. Signs and symptoms of pellagra include skin and mouth lesions, anemia, headaches, and tiredness.[6] Many countries mandate its addition to wheat flour or other food grains, thereby reducing the risk of pellagra.[3][7]

The amide derivative nicotinamide (niacinamide) is a component of the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+). Although niacin and nicotinamide are identical in their vitamin activity, nicotinamide does not have the same pharmacological, lipid-modifying effects or side effects as niacin, i.e., when niacin takes on the -amide group, it does not reduce cholesterol nor cause flushing.[8][9] Nicotinamide is recommended as a treatment for niacin deficiency because it can be administered in remedial amounts without causing the flushing, considered an adverse effect.[10]

Niacin is also a prescription medication.[11] Amounts far in excess of the recommended dietary intake for vitamin functions will lower blood triglycerides and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and raise blood high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, often referred to as "good" cholesterol). There are two forms: immediate-release and sustained-release niacin. Initial prescription amounts are 500 mg/day, increased over time until a therapeutic effect is achieved. Immediate-release doses can be as high as 3,000 mg/day; sustained-release as high as 2,000 mg/day.[11] Despite the proven lipid changes, niacin has not been found useful for decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease in those already on a statin.[12] A 2010 review had concluded that niacin was effective as a mono-therapy,[13] but a 2017 review incorporating twice as many trials concluded that prescription niacin, while affecting lipid levels, did not reduce all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarctions, nor fatal or non-fatal strokes.[14] Prescription niacin was shown to cause hepatotoxicity[15] and increase risk of type 2 diabetes.[16][17] Niacin prescriptions in the U.S. had peaked in 2009 at 9.4 million, declining to 800 thousand by 2020.[18]

Niacin has the formula C
6
H
5
NO
2
and belongs to the group of the pyridinecarboxylic acids.[3] As the precursor for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, niacin is involved in DNA repair.[19]

Definition

[edit]

Niacin is both a vitamin, i.e., an essential nutrient, marketed as a dietary supplement, and in the US, a prescription medicine. As a vitamin, it is precursor of the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). These compounds are coenzymes for many dehydrogenases, participating in many hydrogen transfer processes. NAD is important in catabolism of fat, carbohydrate, protein, and alcohol, as well as cell signaling and DNA repair, and NADP mostly in anabolism reactions such as fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis.[20] Vitamin intake recommendations made by several countries are that intakes of 14–18 mg/day are sufficient to meet the needs of healthy adults.[4][21][22] Niacin but also nicotinamide (niacinamide) are used for prevention and treatment of pellagra, a disease caused by lack of the vitamin.[6][20] When niacin is used as a medicine to treat elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, daily doses range from 500 to 3,000 mg/day.[23][24] High-dose nicotinamide does not have this medicinal effect.[20]

Vitamin deficiency

[edit]
A man with pellagra, which is caused by a chronic lack of vitamin B3 in the diet

Severe deficiency of niacin in the diet causes the disease pellagra, characterized by diarrhea, sun-sensitive dermatitis involving hyperpigmentation and thickening of the skin (see image), inflammation of the mouth and tongue, delirium, dementia, and if left untreated, death.[6] Common psychiatric symptoms include irritability, poor concentration, anxiety, fatigue, loss of memory, restlessness, apathy, and depression.[20] The biochemical mechanism(s) for the observed deficiency-caused neurodegeneration are not well understood, but may rest on: A) the requirement for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) to suppress the creation of neurotoxic tryptophan metabolites, B) inhibition of mitochondrial ATP generation, resulting in cell damage; C), activation of the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) pathway, as PARP is a nuclear enzyme involved in DNA repair, but in the absence of NAD+ can lead to cell death; D) reduced synthesis of neuro-protective brain-derived neurotrophic factor or its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B; or E) changes to genome expression directly due to the niacin deficiency.[25]

Niacin deficiency is rarely seen in developed countries, and it is more typically associated with poverty, malnutrition or malnutrition secondary to chronic alcoholism.[26] It also tends to occur in less developed areas where people eat maize (corn) as a staple food, as maize is the only grain low in digestible niacin. A cooking technique called nixtamalization i.e., pretreating with alkali ingredients, increases the bioavailability of niacin during maize meal/flour production.[27] For this reason, people who consume maize as tortillas or hominy are at less risk of niacin deficiency.

For treating deficiency, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends administering niacinamide i.e., nicotinamide, instead of niacin, to avoid the flushing side effect commonly caused by the latter. Guidelines suggest using 300 mg/day for three to four weeks.[10] Dementia and dermatitis show improvement within a week. Because deficiencies of other B-vitamins may be present, the WHO recommends a multi-vitamin in addition to the niacinamide.[10]

Hartnup disease is a hereditary nutritional disorder resulting in niacin deficiency.[28] It is named after an English family with a genetic disorder that resulted in a failure to absorb the essential amino acid tryptophan, tryptophan being a precursor for niacin synthesis. The symptoms are similar to pellagra, including red, scaly rash and sensitivity to sunlight. Oral niacin or niacinamide is given as a treatment for this condition in doses ranging from 50 to 100 mg twice a day, with a good prognosis if identified and treated early.[28] Niacin synthesis is also deficient in carcinoid syndrome, because of metabolic diversion of its precursor tryptophan to form serotonin.[3]

Measuring vitamin status

[edit]

Plasma concentrations of niacin and niacin metabolites are not useful markers of niacin status.[4] Urinary excretion of the methylated metabolite N1-methyl-nicotinamide is considered reliable and sensitive. The measurement requires a 24-hour urine collection. For adults, a value of less than 5.8 μmol/day represent deficient niacin status and 5.8 to 17.5 μmol/day represents low.[4] According to the World Health Organization, an alternative mean of expressing urinary N1-methyl-nicotinamide is as mg/g creatinine in a 24-hour urine collection, with deficient defined as <0.5, low 0.5-1.59, acceptable 1.6-4.29, and high >4.3[10] Niacin deficiency occurs before the signs and symptoms of pellagra appear.[4] Erythrocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) concentrations potentially provide another sensitive indicator of niacin depletion, although definitions of deficient, low and adequate have not been established. Lastly, plasma tryptophan decreases on a low niacin diet because tryptophan converts to niacin. However, low tryptophan could also be caused by a diet low in this essential amino acid, so it is not specific to confirming vitamin status.[4]

Dietary recommendations

[edit]
Dietary recommendations
Australia and New Zealand
Age group RDI for niacin (mg NE/day)[22] Upper level of intake[22]
Infants 0–6 months 2 mg/d preformed niacin* ND
Infants 7–12 months 4 mg/d NE*
1–3 6 10
4–8 8 15
9–13 12 20
14–18 30
19+ 35
Females 14+ 14
Males 14+ 16
Pregnant females 14–50 18
Pregnant females 14–18 30
Pregnant females 19–50 35
Lactating females 14–50 17
Lactating females 14–18 30
Lactating females 19–50 35
* Adequate Intake for infants[4]
Canada
Age group (years) RDA of niacin (mg NE/d)[29] Tolerable upper intake level[29]
0–6 months 2 mg/d preformed niacin* ND
7–12 months 4 mg/d NE*
1–3 6 10
4–8 8 15
9–13 12 20
Females 14–18 14 30
Males 14–18 16
Females 19+ 14 35
Males 19+ 16
Pregnant females <18 18 30
Pregnant females 18–50 18 35
Lactating females <18 17 30
Lactating females 18–50 17 35
European Food Safety Authority
Gender Adequate Intake (mg NE/MJ)[30]
Females 1.3
Males 1.6
Age (years) Tolerable upper limit of Nicotinic acid (mg/day)[30] Tolerable upper limit of Nicotinamide (mg/day)[30]
1–3 2 150
4–6 3 220
7–10 4 350
11–14 6 500
15–17 8 700
United States
Age group RDA for niacin (mg NE/day) Tolerable upper intake level[4]
Infants 0–6 months 2* ND**
Infants 6–12 months 4*
1–3 6 10
4–8 8 15
9–13 12 20
Females 14–18 14 30
Males 14–18 16 30
Females 19+ 14 35
Males 19+ 16 35
Pregnant females 14–18 18 30
Pregnant females 19–50 18 35
Lactating females 14–18 17 30
Lactating females 19–50 17 35
* Adequate intake for infants, as an RDA has yet to be established
** Not possible to establish; source of intake should be formula and food only[4]

The U.S. Institute of Medicine (renamed National Academy of Medicine in 2015) updated Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for niacin in 1998, also Tolerable upper intake levels (ULs). In lieu of an RDA, Adequate Intakes (AIs) are identified for populations for which there is not sufficient evidence to identify a dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of most people.[31] (see table).

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) refers to the collective set of information as Dietary Reference Values (DRV), with Population Reference Intake (PRI) instead of RDA, and Average Requirement instead of EAR. For the EU, AIs and ULs have the same definition as in the US, except that units are milligrams per megajoule (MJ) of energy consumed rather than mg/day. For women (including those pregnant or lactating), men and children the PRI is 1.6 mg per megajoule. As the conversion is 1 MJ = 239 kcal, an adult consuming 2390 kilocalories should be consuming 16 mg niacin. This is comparable to US RDAs (14 mg/day for adult women, 16 mg/day for adult men).[21]

ULs are established by identifying amounts of vitamins and minerals that cause adverse effects, and then selecting as an upper limit amounts that are the "maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects."[31] Regulatory agencies from different countries do not always agree. For the US, 30 or 35 mg for teenagers and adults, less for children.[4] The EFSA UL for adults is set at 10 mg/day - about one-third of the US value. For all of the government ULs, the term applies to niacin as a supplement consumed as one dose, and is intended as a limit to avoid the skin flush reaction. This explains why for EFSA, the recommended daily intake can be higher than the UL.[32]

Both the DRI and DRV describe amounts needed as niacin equivalents (NE), calculated as 1 mg NE = 1 mg niacin or 60 mg of the essential amino acid tryptophan. This is because the amino acid is utilized to synthesize the vitamin.[4][21]

For U.S. food and dietary supplement labeling purposes the amount in a serving is expressed as a percent of Daily Value (%DV). For niacin labeling purposes 100% of the Daily Value is 16 mg. Prior to 27 May 2016 it was 20 mg, revised to bring it into agreement with the RDA.[33][34] Compliance with the updated labeling regulations was required by 1 January 2020 for manufacturers with US$10 million or more in annual food sales, and by 1 January 2021 for manufacturers with lower volume food sales.[35][36] A table of the old and new adult daily values is provided at Reference Daily Intake.

Sources

[edit]

Niacin is found in a variety of whole and processed foods, including fortified packaged foods, meat from various animal sources, seafoods, and spices.[3][37] In general, animal-sourced foods provide about 5–10 mg niacin per serving, although dairy foods and eggs have little. Some plant-sourced foods such as nuts, legumes and grains provide about 2–5 mg niacin per serving, although in some grain products this naturally present niacin is largely bound to polysaccharides and glycopeptides, making it only about 30% bioavailable. Fortified food ingredients such as wheat flour have niacin added, which is bioavailable.[5] Among whole food sources with the highest niacin content per 100 grams:

Source[38] Amount
(mg / 100g)
Nutritional yeast[39]
Serving = 2 Tbsp (16 g) contains 56 mg
350
Tuna, yellowfin 22.1
Peanuts 14.3
Peanut butter 13.1
Bacon 10.4
Tuna, light, canned 10.1
Salmon 10.0
Turkey depending on what part, how cooked 7-12
Chicken depending on what part, how cooked 7-12
Source[38] Amount
(mg / 100g)
Beef depending on what part, how cooked 4-8
Pork depending on what part, how cooked 4-8
Sunflower seeds 7.0
Tuna, white, canned 5.8
Almonds 3.6
Mushrooms, white 3.6
Cod fish 2.5
Rice, brown 2.5
Hot dogs 2.0
Source[38] Amount
(mg / 100g)
Avocado 1.7
Potato, baked, with skin 1.4
Maize (corn) 1.0
Rice, white 0.5
Kale 0.4
Eggs 0.1
Milk 0.1
Cheese 0.1
Tofu 0.1

Vegetarian and vegan diets can provide adequate amounts if products such as nutritional yeast, peanuts, peanut butter, tahini, brown rice, mushrooms, avocado and sunflower seeds are included. Fortified foods and dietary supplements can also be consumed to ensure adequate intake.[5][40]

Food preparation

[edit]

Niacin naturally found in food is susceptible to destruction from high heat cooking, especially in the presence of acidic foods and sauces. It is soluble in water, and so may also be lost from foods boiled in water.[41]

Food fortification

[edit]

Countries fortify foods with nutrients to address known deficiencies.[7] As of 2020, 54 countries required food fortification of wheat flour with niacin or niacinamide; 14 also mandate fortification of maize flour, and 6 mandate fortification of rice.[42] From country to country, niacin fortification ranges from 1.3 to 6.0 mg/100 g.[42]

As a dietary supplement

[edit]

In the United States, niacin is sold as a non-prescription dietary supplement with a range of 100 to 1000 mg per serving. These products often have a Structure/Function health claim[43] allowed by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). An example would be "Supports a healthy blood lipid profile." The American Heart Association strongly advises against the substitution of dietary supplement niacin for prescription niacin because of potentially serious side effects, which means that niacin should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional, and because manufacture of dietary supplement niacin is not as well-regulated by the FDA as prescription niacin.[44] More than 30 mg niacin consumed as a dietary supplement can cause skin flushing. Face, arms and chest skin turns a reddish color because of vasodilation of small subcutaneous blood vessels, accompanied by sensations of heat, tingling and itching. These signs and symptoms are typically transient, lasting minutes to hours; they are considered unpleasant rather than toxic.[5]

As lipid-modifying medication

[edit]

In the United States, prescription niacin, in immediate-release and slow-release forms, is used to treat primary hyperlipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia.[23][24] It is used either as a monotherapy or in combination with other lipid-modifying drugs. Dosages start at 500 mg/day and are often gradually increased to as high as 3000 mg/day for immediate release or 2000 mg/day for slow release (also referred to as sustained release) to achieve the targeted lipid changes (lower LDL-C and triglycerides, and higher HDL-C).[23][24] Prescriptions in the US peaked in 2009, at 9.4 million[citation needed] and had declined to 800 thousand by 2020.[18]

Systematic reviews found no effect of prescription niacin on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarctions, nor fatal or non-fatal strokes despite raising HDL cholesterol in patients already taking statins.[12][45] Reported side effects include an increased risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes.[14][16][17][46]

Mechanisms

[edit]

Niacin reduces synthesis of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), lipoprotein(a) and triglycerides, and increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).[47] The lipid-therapeutic effects of niacin are partly mediated through the activation of G protein-coupled receptors, including hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2)and hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 3 (HCA3), which are highly expressed in body fat.[48][49] HCA2 and HCA3 inhibit cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production and thus suppress the release of free fatty acids (FFAs) from body fat, reducing their availability to the liver to synthesize the blood-circulating lipids in question.[50][51][52] A decrease in free fatty acids also suppresses liver expression of apolipoprotein C3 and PPARg coactivator-1b, thus increasing VLDL-C turnover and reducing its production.[53] Niacin also directly inhibits the action of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) a key enzyme for triglyceride synthesis.[52]

The mechanism behind niacin increasing HDL-C is not totally understood, but seems to occur in various ways. Niacin increases apolipoprotein A1 levels by inhibiting the breakdown of this protein, which is a component of HDL-C.[54][55] It also inhibits HDL-C hepatic uptake by suppressing production of the cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) gene.[47] It stimulates the ABCA1 transporter in monocytes and macrophages and upregulates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, resulting in reverse cholesterol transport.[56]

Combined with statins

[edit]

Extended release niacin was combined with lovastatin (Advicor), and with simvastatin (Simcor), as prescription drug combinations. The combination niacin/lovastatin was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001.[57] The combination niacin/simvastatin was approved by the FDA in 2008.[58][59] Subsequently, large outcome trials using these niacin and statin therapies were unable to demonstrate incremental benefit of niacin beyond statin therapy alone.[60] The FDA withdrew approval of both drugs in 2016. The reason given: "Based on the collective evidence from several large cardiovascular outcome trials, the Agency has concluded that the totality of the scientific evidence no longer supports the conclusion that a drug-induced reduction in triglyceride levels and/or increase in HDL-cholesterol levels in statin-treated patients results in a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events." The drug company discontinued the drugs.[61]

Contraindications

[edit]

Prescription immediate release (Niacor) and extended release (Niaspan) niacin are contraindicated for people with either active or a history of liver disease because both, but especially Niaspan, have been associated with instances of serious, on occasion fatal, liver failure.[24][62] Both products are contraindicated for people with existing peptic ulcer disease, or other bleeding problems because niacin lowers platelet count and interferes with blood clotting.[23][24][62] Both products are also contraindicated for women who are pregnant or expecting to become pregnant because safety during pregnancy has not been evaluated in human trials. These products are contraindicated for women who are lactating because it is known that niacin is excreted into human milk, but the amount and potential for adverse effects in the nursing infant are not known. Women are advised to either not nurse their child or discontinue the drug. High-dose niacin has not been tested or approved for use in children under 16 years.[23][24][62]

Adverse effects

[edit]

The most common adverse effects of medicinal niacin (500–3000 mg) are flushing (e.g., warmth, redness, itching or tingling) of the face, neck and chest, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, rhinitis, pruritus and rash.[3][5][62] These can be minimized by initiating therapy at low dosages, increasing dosage gradually, and avoiding administration on an empty stomach.[62]

The acute adverse effects of high-dose niacin therapy (1–3 grams per day) – which is commonly used in the treatment of hyperlipidemias – can further include hypotension, fatigue, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, heartburn, blurred or impaired vision, and macular edema.[3][5] With long-term use, the adverse effects of high-dose niacin therapy (750 mg per day) also include liver failure (associated with fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite), hepatitis, and acute liver failure;[3][5] these hepatotoxic effects of niacin occur more often when extended-release dosage forms are used.[3][5] The long-term use of niacin at greater than or equal to 2 grams per day also significantly increases the risk of cerebral hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, diabetes, dyspepsia, and diarrhea.[5]

Flushing

[edit]

Flushing – a short-term dilatation of skin arterioles, causing reddish skin color – usually lasts for about 15 to 30 minutes, although sometimes can persist for weeks. Typically, the face is affected, but the reaction can extend to neck and upper chest. The cause is blood vessel dilation[3][5] due to elevation in prostaglandin GD2 (PGD2) and serotonin.[63][64][65][66] Flushing was often thought to involve histamine, but histamine has been shown not to be involved in the reaction.[63] Flushing is sometimes accompanied by a prickly or itching sensation, in particular, in areas covered by clothing.[5]

Prevention of flushing requires altering or blocking the prostaglandin-mediated pathway.[5][67] Aspirin taken half an hour before the niacin prevents flushing, as does ibuprofen. Taking niacin with meals also helps reduce this side effect.[5] Acquired tolerance will also help reduce flushing; after several weeks of a consistent dose, most people no longer experience flushing.[5] Slow- or "sustained"-release forms of niacin have been developed to lessen these side effects.[68][69]

Liver damage

[edit]

Niacin in medicinal doses can cause modest elevations in serum transaminase and unconjugated bilirubin, both biomarkers of liver injury. The increases usually resolve even when drug intake is continued.[15][70][71] However, less commonly, the sustained release form of the drug can lead to serious hepatotoxicity, with onset in days to weeks. Early symptoms of serious liver damage include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, followed by jaundice and pruritus. The mechanism is thought to be a direct toxicity of elevated serum niacin. Lowering dose or switching to the immediate release form can resolve symptoms. In rare instances the injury is severe, and progresses to liver failure.[15]

Diabetes

[edit]

The high doses of niacin used to treat hyperlipidemia have been shown to elevate fasting blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes.[16] Long-term niacin therapy was also associated with an increase in the risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes.[16][17]

Other adverse effects

[edit]

High doses of niacin can also cause niacin maculopathy, a thickening of the macula and retina, which leads to blurred vision and blindness. This maculopathy is reversible after niacin intake ceases.[72] Niaspan, the slow-release product, has been associated with a reduction in platelet content and a modest increase in prothrombin time.[24]

Pharmacology

[edit]

Pharmacodynamics

[edit]

Activating HCA2 has effects other than lowering serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations: antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, improved endothelial function and plaque stability, all of which counter development and progression of atherosclerosis.[73][74]

Niacin inhibits cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP2E1, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4.[75] Niacin produces a rise in serum unconjugated bilirubin in normal individuals and in those with Gilbert's Syndrome. However, in the Gilbert's Syndrome, the rise in bilirubin is higher and clearance is delayed longer than in normal people.[76] One test used to aid in diagnosing Gilbert's Syndrome involves intravenous administration of nicotinic acid (niacin) in a dose of 50 mg over a period of 30 seconds.[70][71]

Pharmacokinetics

[edit]

Both niacin and niacinamide are rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine.[77] Absorption is facilitated by sodium-dependent diffusion, and at higher intakes, via passive diffusion. Unlike some other vitamins, the percent absorbed does not decrease with increasing dose, so that even at amounts of 3-4 grams, absorption is nearly complete.[20] With a one gram dose, peak plasma concentrations of 15 to 30 μg/mL are reached within 30 to 60 minutes. Approximately 88% of an oral pharmacologic dose is eliminated by the kidneys as unchanged niacin or nicotinuric acid, its primary metabolite. The plasma elimination half-life of niacin ranges from 20 to 45 minutes.[23]

Niacin and nicotinamide are both converted into the coenzyme NAD.[78] NAD converts to NADP by phosphorylation in the presence of the enzyme NAD+ kinase. High energy requirements (brain) or high turnover rate (gut, skin) organs are usually the most susceptible to their deficiency.[79] In the liver, niacinamide is converted to storage nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). As needed, liver NAD is hydrolyzed to niacinamide and niacin for transport to tissues, there reconverted to NAD to serve as an enzyme cofactor.[20] Excess niacin is methylated in the liver to N1-methylnicotinamide (NMN) and excreted in urine as such or as the oxidized metabolites N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide and N1-Methyl-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide (2PY and 4PY). Decreased urinary content of these metabolites is a measure of niacin deficiency.[20]

Production

[edit]

Biosynthesis

[edit]
Niacin, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), and melatonin biosynthesis from tryptophan

In addition to absorbing niacin from diet, niacin can be synthesized from the essential amino acid tryptophan, a five-step process with the penultimate compound being quinolinic acid (see figure). Some bacteria and plants utilize aspartic acid in a pathway that also goes to quinolinic acid.[80] For humans, the efficiency of conversion is estimated as requiring 60 mg of tryptophan to make 1 mg of niacin. Riboflavin, vitamin B6 and iron are required for the process.[20] Pellagra is a consequence of a corn-dominant diet because the niacin in corn is poorly bioavailable and corn proteins are low in tryptophan compared to wheat and rice proteins.[81]

Industrial synthesis

[edit]

Nicotinic acid was first synthesized in 1867 by oxidative degradation of nicotine with potassium chromate and sulfuric acid[82] — this is the origin of the name.[83] Niacin is prepared by hydrolysis of nicotinonitrile, which, as described above, is generated by oxidation of 3-picoline. Oxidation can be effected by air, but ammoxidation is more efficient. In the latter process, nicotinonitrile is produced by ammoxidation of 3-methylpyridine. Nitrile hydratase is then used to catalyze nicotinonitrile to nicotinamide, which can be converted to niacin.[84] Alternatively, ammonia, acetic acid and paraldehyde are used to make 5-ethyl-2-methyl-pyridine, which is then oxidized to niacin.[85] New "greener" catalysts are being tested using manganese-substituted aluminophosphates that use acetyl peroxyborate as non-corrosive oxidant, avoiding producing nitrogen oxides as do traditional ammoxidations.[86]

The demand for commercial production includes for animal feed and for food fortification meant for human consumption. According to Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, worldwide 31,000 tons of nicotinamide were sold in 2014.[82]

Climate impact

[edit]

The production of niacin creates nitrous oxide as a by-product, which is a potent greenhouse gas. In 2018, it was discovered that a niacin factory in Visp, Switzerland, was responsible for around one percent of the country's greenhouse gas emissions.[87] Eventually, catalytic scrubbing technology that eliminates most of the emissions was installed in 2021.[88]

Chemistry

[edit]

This colorless, water-soluble solid is a derivative of pyridine, with a carboxyl group (COOH) at the 3-position.[20] Other forms of vitamin B3 include the corresponding amide nicotinamide (niacinamide), where the carboxyl group has been replaced by a carboxamide group (CONH
2
).[20]

Preparations

[edit]
Inositol hexanicotinate

Niacin is incorporated into multi-vitamin and sold as a single-ingredient dietary supplement. The latter can be immediate or slow release.[89]

Nicotinamide (niacinamide) is used to treat niacin deficiency because it does not cause the flushing adverse reaction seen with niacin. Nicotinamide may be toxic to the liver at doses exceeding 3 g/day for adults.[90]

Prescription products can be immediate release (Niacor, 500 mg tablets) or extended release (Niaspan, 500 and 1000 mg tablets). Niaspan has a film coating that delays release of the niacin, resulting in an absorption over a period of 8–12 hours. This reduces vasodilation and flushing side effects, but increases the risk of hepatotoxicity compared to the immediate release drug.[91][92]

Prescription niacin preparations in combination with statin drugs (discontinued) are described above. A combination of niacin and laropiprant had been approved for use in Europe and marketed as Tredaptive. Laropiprant is a prostaglandin D2 binding drug shown to reduce niacin-induced vasodilation and flushing side effects.[47][93][94] A clinical trial showed no additional efficacy of Tredaptive in lowering cholesterol when used together with other statin drugs, but did show an increase in other side effects.[95] The study resulted in the withdrawal of Tredaptive from the international market.[96][97]

One form of dietary supplement sold in the US is inositol hexanicotinate (IHN), also called inositol nicotinate. This is inositol that has been esterified with niacin on all six of inositol's alcohol groups.[98] IHN is usually sold as "flush-free" or "no-flush" niacin in units of 250, 500, or 1000 mg/tablets or capsules. In the US, it is sold as an over-the-counter formulation, and often is marketed and labeled as niacin, thus misleading consumers into thinking they are getting an active form of the medication. While this form of niacin does not cause the flushing associated with the immediate-release products, there is not enough evidence to recommend IHN to treat hyperlipidemia.[99]

History

[edit]

Niacin as a chemical compound was first described by chemist Hugo Weidel in 1873 in his studies of nicotine,[100] but that predated by many years the concept of food components other than protein, fat and carbohydrates that were essential for life. Vitamin nomenclature was initially alphabetical, with Elmer McCollum calling these fat-soluble A and water-soluble B.[101] Over time, eight chemically distinct, water-soluble B vitamins were isolated and numbered, with niacin as vitamin B3.[101]

Corn (maize) became a staple food in the southeast United States and in parts of Europe. A disease that was characterized by dermatitis of sunlight-exposed skin was described in Spain in 1735 by Gaspar Casal. He attributed the cause to poor diet.[102] In northern Italy it was named "pellagra" from the Lombard language (agra = holly-like or serum-like; pell = skin).[103][104] In time, the disease was more closely linked specifically to corn.[105] In the US, Joseph Goldberger was assigned to study pellagra by the Surgeon General of the United States. His studies confirmed a corn-based diet as the culprit, but he did not identify the root cause.[106][107]

Nicotinic acid was extracted from liver by biochemist Conrad Elvehjem in 1937. He later identified the active ingredient, referring to it as "pellagra-preventing factor" and the "anti-blacktongue factor."[108] It was also referred to as "vitamin PP", "vitamin P-P" and "PP-factor", all derived from the term "pellagra-preventive factor".[10] In the late 1930s, studies by Tom Douglas Spies, Marion Blankenhorn, and Clark Cooper confirmed that niacin cured pellagra in humans. The prevalence of the disease was greatly reduced as a result.[109]

Nicotinic acid was initially synthesized by oxidizing nicotine with potassium chromate and sulfuric acid.[83] Hence, in 1942, when flour enrichment with nicotinic acid began, a headline in the popular press said "Tobacco in Your Bread." In response, the Council on Foods and Nutrition of the American Medical Association approved of the Food and Nutrition Board's new names niacin and niacin amide for use primarily by non-scientists. It was thought appropriate to choose a name to dissociate nicotinic acid from nicotine, to avoid the perception that vitamins or niacin-rich food contains nicotine, or that cigarettes contain vitamins. The resulting name niacin was derived from nicotinic acid + vitamin.[110][83]

Carpenter found in 1951, that niacin in corn is biologically unavailable, and can be released only in very alkaline lime water of pH 11. This explains why a Latin-American culture that used alkali-treated cornmeal to make tortilla was not at risk for niacin deficiency.[111]

In 1955, Altschul and colleagues described large amounts of niacin as having a lipid-lowering property.[112] As such, niacin is the oldest known lipid-lowering drug.[113] Lovastatin, the first 'statin' drug, was first marketed in 1987.[114]

Research

[edit]

In animal models and in vitro, niacin produces marked anti-inflammatory effects in a variety of tissues – including the brain, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and vascular tissue – through the activation of hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2), also known as niacin receptor 1 (NIACR1).[115][116][117][118] Unlike niacin, nicotinamide does not activate NIACR1; however, both niacin and nicotinamide activate the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in vitro.[119]

In 2024, it was reported that metabolites of niacin promote vascular inflammation and contribute to the risk of developing atherosclerosis.[120]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Chapter P-6. Applications to Specific Classes of Compounds". Nomenclature of Organic Chemistry : IUPAC Recommendations and Preferred Names 2013 (Blue Book). Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry. 2014. pp. 648–1047. doi:10.1039/9781849733069-00648. ISBN 978-0-85404-182-4.
  2. ^ "Niacin Use During Pregnancy". Drugs.com. 29 July 2019. Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Niacin". Micronutrient Information Center, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. 8 October 2018. Archived from the original on 12 September 2019. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Institute of Medicine (1998). "Niacin". Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. pp. 123–149. ISBN 978-0-309-06554-2. Archived from the original on 1 September 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Niacin Fact Sheet for Health Professionals". Office of Dietary Supplements, US National Institutes of Health. 3 June 2020. Archived from the original on 23 June 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  6. ^ a b c Hegyi J, Schwartz RA, Hegyi V (January 2004). "Pellagra: dermatitis, dementia, and diarrhea". International Journal of Dermatology. 43 (1): 1–5. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2004.01959.x. PMID 14693013. S2CID 33877664.
  7. ^ a b "Why fortify?". Food Fortification Initiative. 2017. Archived from the original on 4 April 2017. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  8. ^ Jaconello P (October 1992). "Niacin versus niacinamide". CMAJ. 147 (7): 990. PMC 1336277. PMID 1393911.
  9. ^ Kirkland JB (May 2012). "Niacin requirements for genomic stability". Mutation Research. 733 (1–2): 14–20. Bibcode:2012MRFMM.733...14K. doi:10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2011.11.008. PMID 22138132. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
  10. ^ a b c d e World Health Organization (2000). Pellagra And Its Prevention And Control In Major Emergencies (Report). World Health Organization (WHO). hdl:10665/66704. WHO/NHD/00.10.
  11. ^ a b "Niacin". Drugs.com. 16 March 2019. Archived from the original on 9 June 2020. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
  12. ^ a b Keene D, Price C, Shun-Shin MJ, Francis DP (July 2014). "Effect on cardiovascular risk of high density lipoprotein targeted drug treatments niacin, fibrates, and CETP inhibitors: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials including 117,411 patients". BMJ. 349: g4379. doi:10.1136/bmj.g4379. PMC 4103514. PMID 25038074.
  13. ^ Bruckert E, Labreuche J, Amarenco P (June 2010). "Meta-analysis of the effect of nicotinic acid alone or in combination on cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis". Atherosclerosis. 210 (2): 353–61. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.12.023. PMID 20079494.
  14. ^ a b Schandelmaier S, Briel M, Saccilotto R, Olu KK, Arpagaus A, Hemkens LG, et al. (June 2017). "Niacin for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017 (6): CD009744. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009744.pub2. PMC 6481694. PMID 28616955.
  15. ^ a b c "Niacin". IN: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury (Internet). Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. February 2014. PMID 31643504.
  16. ^ a b c d Ong KL, Barter PJ, Waters DD (April 2014). "Cardiovascular drugs that increase the risk of new-onset diabetes". Am. Heart J. 167 (4): 421–8. doi:10.1016/j.ahj.2013.12.025. hdl:1959.4/unsworks_43825. PMID 24655688. S2CID 205306912. Archived from the original on 28 June 2020. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
  17. ^ a b c Goldie C, Taylor AJ, Nguyen P, McCoy C, Zhao XQ, Preiss D (February 2016). "Niacin therapy and the risk of new-onset diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials". Heart. 102 (3): 198–203. doi:10.1136/heartjnl-2015-308055. PMC 4752613. PMID 26370223.
  18. ^ a b "Niacin - Drug Usage Statistics". ClinCalc. Archived from the original on 8 July 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  19. ^ Kennedy DO (January 2016). "B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review". Nutrients. 8 (2): 68. doi:10.3390/nu8020068. PMC 4772032. PMID 26828517.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Penberthy WT, Kirkland JB (2020). "Niacin". In BP Marriott, DF Birt, VA Stallings, AA Yates (eds.). Present Knowledge in Nutrition, Eleventh Edition. London, United Kingdom: Academic Press (Elsevier). pp. 209–24. ISBN 978-0-323-66162-1.
  21. ^ a b c "Overview on Dietary Reference Values for the EU population as derived by the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies" (PDF). 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 August 2017. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
  22. ^ a b c "Nutrient reference values for Australia and New Zealand" (PDF). National Health and Medical Research Council. 9 September 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 January 2017. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
  23. ^ a b c d e f "NIACOR-niacin tablet". DAILYMED, US National Library of Medicine. March 2020. Archived from the original on 9 August 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  24. ^ a b c d e f g "Niaspan Patient Package and Product Information (PPPI)" (PDF). December 2018. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  25. ^ Fu L, Doreswamy V, Prakash R (August 2014). "The biochemical pathways of central nervous system neural degeneration in niacin deficiency". Neural Regeneration Research. 9 (16): 1509–13. doi:10.4103/1673-5374.139475. PMC 4192966. PMID 25317166.
  26. ^ Pitsavas S, Andreou C, Bascialla F, Bozikas VP, Karavatos A (March 2004). "Pellagra encephalopathy following B-complex vitamin treatment without niacin". International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine. 34 (1): 91–5. doi:10.2190/29XV-1GG1-U17K-RGJH. PMID 15242145. S2CID 29070525. Archived from the original on 10 July 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2009.
  27. ^ Bressani R, Gomez-Brenes R, Scrimshaw NS (1961). "Effect of processing on distribution and in vitro availability of niacin of corn (Zea mays)". Food Technol. 15: 450–4.
  28. ^ a b LaRosa CJ (January 2020). "Hartnup Disease". Archived from the original on 8 July 2020. Retrieved 6 July 2020.
  29. ^ a b Health Canada (20 July 2005). "Dietary Reference Intakes". Government of Canada. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  30. ^ a b c "Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for Vitamins and Minerals" (PDF). European Food Safety Authority. February 2006. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  31. ^ a b "Nutrient Recommendations: Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI)". National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Archived from the original on 2 July 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
  32. ^ "Tolerable Upper Intake Levels For Vitamins And Minerals" (PDF). European Food Safety Authority. 2006. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 9 March 2016.
  33. ^ "Federal Register May 27, 2016 Food Labeling: Revision of the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022.
  34. ^ "Daily Value Reference of the Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD)". Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD). Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 16 May 2020.
  35. ^ "Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label". U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 27 May 2016. Archived from the original on 6 May 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2020. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  36. ^ "Industry Resources on the Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label". U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 21 December 2018. Archived from the original on 25 December 2020. Retrieved 16 May 2020. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  37. ^ "Niacin content per 100 grams; select food subset, abridged list by food groups". United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, USDA Branded Food Products Database v.3.6.4.1. 17 January 2017. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  38. ^ a b c "USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Legacy: Niacin" (PDF). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2018. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
  39. ^ "Nutritional Yeast Flakes (two tablespoons = 16 grams". NutritionData.Self.com. Archived from the original on 11 April 2020. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
  40. ^ "Vitamin B3 (Niacin)". VivaHealth.org. 2000. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
  41. ^ "Effects of Cooking on Vitamins (Table)". Beyondveg. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  42. ^ a b "Map: Count of Nutrients In Fortification Standards". Global Fortification Data Exchange. Archived from the original on 11 April 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  43. ^ "Structure/Function Claims". U.S. Food & Drug Administration. December 2017. Archived from the original on 10 June 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
  44. ^ "Cholesterol Medications". American Heart Association. 10 November 2018. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  45. ^ Mani P, Rohatgi A (August 2015). "Niacin Therapy, HDL Cholesterol, and Cardiovascular Disease: Is the HDL Hypothesis Defunct?". Curr Atheroscler Rep. 17 (8): 43. doi:10.1007/s11883-015-0521-x. PMC 4829575. PMID 26048725.
  46. ^ Garg A, Sharma A, Krishnamoorthy P, Garg J, Virmani D, Sharma T, et al. (February 2017). "Role of Niacin in Current Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review". The American Journal of Medicine. 130 (2): 173–187. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2016.07.038. PMID 27793642.
  47. ^ a b c Villines TC, Kim AS, Gore RS, Taylor AJ (February 2012). "Niacin: the evidence, clinical use, and future directions". Current Atherosclerosis Reports. 14 (1): 49–59. doi:10.1007/s11883-011-0212-1. PMID 22037771. S2CID 27925461.
  48. ^ Soga T, Kamohara M, Takasaki J, Matsumoto S, Saito T, Ohishi T, et al. (March 2003). "Molecular identification of nicotinic acid receptor". Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 303 (1): 364–9. doi:10.1016/S0006-291X(03)00342-5. PMID 12646212.
  49. ^ Wise A, Foord SM, Fraser NJ, Barnes AA, Elshourbagy N, Eilert M, et al. (March 2003). "Molecular identification of high and low affinity receptors for nicotinic acid". The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 278 (11): 9869–74. doi:10.1074/jbc.M210695200. PMID 12522134.
  50. ^ Gille A, Bodor ET, Ahmed K, Offermanns S (2008). "Nicotinic acid: pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action". Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology. 48 (1): 79–106. doi:10.1146/annurev.pharmtox.48.113006.094746. PMID 17705685.
  51. ^ Wanders D, Judd RL (August 2011). "Future of GPR109A agonists in the treatment of dyslipidaemia". Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism. 13 (8): 685–91. doi:10.1111/j.1463-1326.2011.01400.x. PMID 21418500. S2CID 205536280.
  52. ^ a b Costet P (June 2010). "Molecular pathways and agents for lowering LDL-cholesterol in addition to statins". Pharmacol Ther. 126 (3): 263–78. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2010.02.006. PMID 20227438.
  53. ^ Hernandez C, Molusky M, Li Y, Li S, Lin JD (October 2010). "Regulation of hepatic ApoC3 expression by PGC-1β mediates hypolipidemic effect of nicotinic acid". Cell Metabolism. 12 (4): 411–9. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2010.09.001. PMC 2950832. PMID 20889132.
  54. ^ Malik S, Kashyap ML (November 2003). "Niacin, lipids, and heart disease". Curr Cardiol Rep. 5 (6): 470–6. doi:10.1007/s11886-003-0109-x. PMID 14558989. S2CID 27918392.
  55. ^ Creider JC, Hegele RA, Joy TR (September 2012). "Niacin: another look at an underutilized lipid-lowering medication". Nature Reviews. Endocrinology. 8 (9): 517–28. doi:10.1038/nrendo.2012.22. PMID 22349076. S2CID 22526314.
  56. ^ Rubic T, Trottmann M, Lorenz RL (February 2004). "Stimulation of CD36 and the key effector of reverse cholesterol transport ATP-binding cassette A1 in monocytoid cells by niacin". Biochemical Pharmacology. 67 (3): 411–9. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2003.09.014. PMID 15037193.
  57. ^ "Drug Approval Package: Advicor (Niacin Extended-Release & Lovastatin) NDA #21-249". U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 13 September 2002. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  58. ^ "Drug Approval Package: Simcor (Niacin/Simvastatin) NDA #022078". U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 31 July 2008. Archived from the original on 14 November 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
  59. ^ "Abbott Receives FDA Approval for Simcor (Niaspan / simvastatin), a Novel Combination Medicine for Comprehensive Cholesterol Management". Drugs.com (Press release). Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2008.
  60. ^ Toth PP, Murthy AM, Sidhu MS, Boden WE (2015). "Is HPS2-THRIVE the death knell for niacin?". J Clin Lipidol. 9 (3): 343–50. doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2015.01.008. PMID 26073392.
  61. ^ "AbbVie Inc.; Withdrawal of Approval of New Drug Applications for Advicor and Simcor". U.S. Federal Register. 18 April 2016. Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  62. ^ a b c d e "Niaspan- niacin tablet, film coated, extended release". DailyMed. 20 August 2013. Archived from the original on 14 November 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
  63. ^ a b Papaliodis D, Boucher W, Kempuraj D, Michaelian M, Wolfberg A, House M, et al. (December 2008). "Niacin-induced "flush" involves release of prostaglandin D2 from mast cells and serotonin from platelets: evidence from human cells in vitro and an animal model". The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 327 (3): 665–72. doi:10.1124/jpet.108.141333. PMID 18784348. S2CID 5609632.
  64. ^ Benyó Z, Gille A, Kero J, Csiky M, Suchánková MC, Nüsing RM, et al. (December 2005). "GPR109A (PUMA-G/HM74A) mediates nicotinic acid-induced flushing". The Journal of Clinical Investigation. 115 (12): 3634–40. doi:10.1172/JCI23626. PMC 1297235. PMID 16322797.
  65. ^ Benyó Z, Gille A, Bennett CL, Clausen BE, Offermanns S (December 2006). "Nicotinic acid-induced flushing is mediated by activation of epidermal langerhans cells". Molecular Pharmacology. 70 (6): 1844–9. doi:10.1124/mol.106.030833. PMID 17008386. S2CID 30199951.
  66. ^ Maciejewski-Lenoir D, Richman JG, Hakak Y, Gaidarov I, Behan DP, Connolly DT (December 2006). "Langerhans cells release prostaglandin D2 in response to nicotinic acid". The Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 126 (12): 2637–46. doi:10.1038/sj.jid.5700586. PMID 17008871.
  67. ^ Kamanna VS, Kashyap ML (April 2008). "Mechanism of action of niacin". The American Journal of Cardiology. 101 (8A): 20B–26B. doi:10.1016/j.amjcard.2008.02.029. PMID 18375237.
  68. ^ Katzung, Bertram G. (2006). Basic and clinical pharmacology. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical Publishing Division. ISBN 978-0-07-145153-6.
  69. ^ Barter P (October 2006). "Options for therapeutic intervention: How effective are the different agents?". European Heart Journal Supplements. 8 (F): F47–F53. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/sul041.
  70. ^ a b Dickey W, McAleer JJ, Callender ME (April 1991). "The Nicotinic Acid Provocation Test and Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinaemia". The Ulster Medical Journal. 60 (1): 49–52. PMC 2448612. PMID 1853497.
  71. ^ a b Röllinghoff W, Paumgartner G, Preisig R (August 1981). "Nicotinic Acid Test in the Diagnosis of Gilbert's Syndrome: Correlation With Bilirubin Clearance". Gut. 22 (8): 663–668. doi:10.1136/gut.22.8.663. PMC 1420060. PMID 7286783.
  72. ^ Domanico D, Verboschi F, Altimari S, Zompatori L, Vingolo EM (2015). "Ocular Effects of Niacin: A Review of the Literature". Med Hypothesis Discov Innov Ophthalmol. 4 (2): 64–71. PMC 4458328. PMID 26060832.
  73. ^ Zeman M, Vecka M, Perlík F, Hromádka R, Staňková B, Tvrzická E, et al. (July 2015). "Niacin in the Treatment of Hyperlipidemias in Light of New Clinical Trials: Has Niacin Lost its Place?". Med. Sci. Monit. 21: 2156–62. doi:10.12659/MSM.893619. PMC 4523006. PMID 26210594.
  74. ^ Wu BJ, Yan L, Charlton F, Witting P, Barter PJ, Rye KA (May 2010). "Evidence that niacin inhibits acute vascular inflammation and improves endothelial dysfunction independent of changes in plasma lipids". Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 30 (5): 968–75. doi:10.1161/ATVBAHA.109.201129. PMID 20167660.
  75. ^ Gaudineau C, Auclair K (May 2004). "Inhibition of human P450 enzymes by nicotinic acid and nicotinamide". Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 317 (3): 950–6. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.03.137. PMID 15081432.
  76. ^ Orkin SH, Nathan DG (January 2009). Nathan and Oski's Hematology of Infancy and Childhood. Elsevier Health Sciences. pp. 118–119. ISBN 9781416034308.
  77. ^ Said HM (August 2011). "Intestinal absorption of water-soluble vitamins in health and disease". The Biochemical Journal. 437 (3): 357–372. doi:10.1042/BJ20110326. PMC 4049159. PMID 21749321.
  78. ^ Cox M, Lehninger AL, Nelson DR (2000). Lehninger principles of biochemistry. New York: Worth Publishers. ISBN 978-1-57259-153-0.
  79. ^ Ishii N, Nishihara Y (March 1981). "Pellagra among chronic alcoholics: clinical and pathological study of 20 necropsy cases". Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. 44 (3): 209–15. doi:10.1136/jnnp.44.3.209. PMC 490893. PMID 7229643.
  80. ^ Foster JW, Moat AG (1 March 1980). "Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis and pyridine nucleotide cycle metabolism in microbial systems". Microbiol. Rev. 44 (1): 83–105. doi:10.1128/MMBR.44.1.83-105.1980. PMC 373235. PMID 6997723.
  81. ^ Carpenter KJ (1983). "The Relationship of Pellagra to Corn and the Low Availability of Niacin in Cereals". Nutritional Adequacy, Nutrient Availability and Needs. Experientia Supplementum. Vol. 44. pp. 197–222. doi:10.1007/978-3-0348-6540-1_12. ISBN 978-3-0348-6542-5. PMID 6357846.
  82. ^ a b Blum R (2015). "Vitamins, 11. Niacin (Nicotinic Acid, Nicotinamide)". Vitamins, 11. Niacin (Nicotinic Acid, Nicotinamide. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (6th ed.). Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. pp. 1–9. doi:10.1002/14356007.o27_o14.pub2. ISBN 978-3-527-30385-4.
  83. ^ a b c "Niacin and Nicotinic Acid". Journal of the American Medical Association. 118 (10): 823. 7 March 1942. doi:10.1001/jama.1942.02830100053014.
  84. ^ Abe N, Ichimura H, Kataoka T, Morishita S, Shimizu S, Shoji T, et al. (2007). "Pyridine and Pyridine Derivatives". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a22_399. ISBN 978-3527306732.
  85. ^ Eschenmooser W (June 1997). "100 Years of Progress with LONZA". CHIMIA. 51 (6): 259–69. doi:10.2533/chimia.1997.259. S2CID 100485418.
  86. ^ Sarah Everts (2008). "Clean Catalysis: Environmentally friendly synthesis of niacin generates less inorganic waste". Chemical & Engineering News. ISSN 0009-2347.
  87. ^ Lenz C (2021). "The climate disgrace of Visp". European Press Prize. Archived from the original on 8 September 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
  88. ^ Davidson EA, Winiwarter W (July 2023). "Urgent abatement of industrial sources of nitrous oxide". Nature Climate Change. 13 (7): 599–601. Bibcode:2023NatCC..13..599D. doi:10.1038/s41558-023-01723-3.
  89. ^ Dunatchik AP, Ito MK, Dujovne CA (1 March 2012). "A systematic review on evidence of the effectiveness and safety of a wax-matrix niacin formulation". Journal of Clinical Lipidology. 6 (2): 121–31. doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2011.07.003. PMID 22385545.
  90. ^ Knip M, Douek IF, Moore WP, Gillmor HA, McLean AE, Bingley PJ, et al. (November 2000). "Safety of high-dose nicotinamide: a review". Diabetologia. 43 (11): 1337–45. doi:10.1007/s001250051536. PMID 11126400.
  91. ^ Bassan M (2012). "A case for immediate-release niacin". Heart & Lung. 41 (1): 95–8. doi:10.1016/j.hrtlng.2010.07.019. PMID 21414665.
  92. ^ Reiche I, Westphal S, Martens-Lobenhoffer J, Tröger U, Luley C, Bode-Böger SM (January 2011). "Pharmacokinetics and dose recommendations of Niaspan in chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients". Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation. 26 (1): 276–82. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfq344. PMID 20562093.
  93. ^ Lai E, De Lepeleire I, Crumley TM, Liu F, Wenning LA, Michiels N, et al. (June 2007). "Suppression of niacin-induced vasodilation with an antagonist to prostaglandin D2 receptor subtype 1". Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 81 (6): 849–57. doi:10.1038/sj.clpt.6100180. PMID 17392721. S2CID 2126240.
  94. ^ Paolini JF, Bays HE, Ballantyne CM, Davidson M, Pasternak R, Maccubbin D, et al. (November 2008). "Extended-release niacin/laropiprant: reducing niacin-induced flushing to better realize the benefit of niacin in improving cardiovascular risk factors". Cardiology Clinics. 26 (4): 547–60. doi:10.1016/j.ccl.2008.06.007. PMID 19031552.
  95. ^ Landray MJ, Haynes R, Hopewell JC, Parish S, Aung T, Tomson J, et al. (July 2014). "Effects of extended-release niacin with laropiprant in high-risk patients". N. Engl. J. Med. 371 (3): 203–12. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1300955. PMID 25014686. S2CID 23548060.
  96. ^ Nainggolan L (11 January 2013). "Niacin/Laropiprant Products to Be Suspended Worldwide". Medscape. Archived from the original on 26 April 2015. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
  97. ^ "Merck begins overseas recall of HDL cholesterol drug". Reuters. 11 January 2013. Archived from the original on 21 April 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  98. ^ Aguilar F, Charrondiere UR, Dusemund B, Galtier PM, Gilbert J, Gott DM, et al. (January 2009). "Inositol hexanicotinate (inositol hexaniacinate) as a source of niacin (vitamin B3) added for nutritional purposes in food supplements". The EFSA Journal. 949: 1–20. Archived from the original on 5 March 2017. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
  99. ^ Taheri (15 January 2003). "No-Flush Niacin for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia". Medscape. Archived from the original on 5 December 2008. Retrieved 31 March 2008.
  100. ^ Weidel H (1873). "Zur Kenntniss des Nicotins". Justus Liebigs Annalen der Chemie und Pharmacie. 165 (2): 330–49. doi:10.1002/jlac.18731650212. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
  101. ^ a b Combs GF (2007). The Vitamins: Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health (3rd ed.). Elsevier, Boston, MA. pp. 7–33. ISBN 978-0-080-56130-1. Archived from the original on 13 January 2023. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
  102. ^ Casal G (1945). "The natural and medical history of the principality of the Asturias". In Major RH (ed.). Classic Descriptions of Disease (3rd ed.). Springfield: Charles C Thomas. pp. 607–12.
  103. ^ F. Cherubini, Vocabolario Milanese-Italiano, Imp. Regia Stamperia, 1840-43, vol. I, III.
  104. ^ "Definition of Pellagra". MedicineNet.com. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 18 June 2007.
  105. ^ Cesare Lombroso, Studi clinici ed esperimentali sulla natura, causa e terapia delle pellagra (Bologna: Fava e Garagnani, 1869)
  106. ^ Evans BK, Feinstein AR (September 1994). "Joseph Goldberger: an unsung hero of American clinical epidemiology". Ann Intern Med. 121 (5): 372–75. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-121-5-199409010-00010. PMID 8042827. S2CID 13226008.
  107. ^ Kraut A. "Dr. Joseph Goldberger and the War on Pellagra | Ashes on the Potomac". history.nih.gov. Archived from the original on 9 May 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
  108. ^ Elvehjem CA, Madden RJ, Strongandd FM, Woolley DW (1938). "The isolation and identification of the anti-blacktongue factor J" (PDF). J. Biol. Chem. 123 (1): 137–49. doi:10.1016/S0021-9258(18)74164-1. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022.
  109. ^ Ruth Hanna Sachs, White Rose History. Archived 21 April 2023 at the Wayback Machine Volume I. 2003. Appendix D, p. 2 ISBN 978-0-9710541-9-6 "Men of the Year, outstanding in comprehensive science were three medical researchers who discovered that nicotinic acid was a cure for human pellagra: Drs. Tom Douglas Spies of Cincinnati General Hospital, Marion Arthur Blankenhorn of the University of Cincinnati, Clark Niel Cooper of Waterloo, Iowa."
  110. ^ "Niacin and Niacin Amide". Journal of the American Medical Association. 118 (10): 819. 7 March 1942. doi:10.1001/jama.1942.02830100049011.
  111. ^ Laguna J, Carpenter KJ (September 1951). "Raw versus processed corn in niacin-deficient diets". The Journal of Nutrition. 45 (1): 21–8. doi:10.1093/jn/45.1.21. PMID 14880960.
  112. ^ Altschul R, Hoffer A, Stephen JD (February 1955). "Influence of nicotinic acid on serum cholesterol in man". Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. 54 (2): 558–9. doi:10.1016/0003-9861(55)90070-9. PMID 14350806.
  113. ^ Romani M, Hofer DC, Katsyuba E, Auwerx J (April 2019). "Niacin: an old lipid drug in a new NAD+ dress". J. Lipid Res. 60 (4): 741–6. doi:10.1194/jlr.S092007. PMC 6446705. PMID 30782960.
  114. ^ Simons J (January 2003). "The $10 billion pill". Fortune. 147 (1): 58–62, 66, 68. PMID 12602122.
  115. ^ Offermanns S, Schwaninger M (April 2015). "Nutritional or pharmacological activation of HCA(2) ameliorates neuroinflammation". Trends in Molecular Medicine. 21 (4): 245–55. doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2015.02.002. PMID 25766751.
  116. ^ Chai JT, Digby JE, Choudhury RP (May 2013). "GPR109A and vascular inflammation". Current Atherosclerosis Reports. 15 (5): 325. doi:10.1007/s11883-013-0325-9. PMC 3631117. PMID 23526298.
  117. ^ Graff EC, Fang H, Wanders D, Judd RL (February 2016). "Anti-inflammatory effects of the hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2". Metabolism. 65 (2): 102–13. doi:10.1016/j.metabol.2015.10.001. PMID 26773933.
  118. ^ Wakade C, Chong R (December 2014). "A novel treatment target for Parkinson's disease". Journal of the Neurological Sciences. 347 (1–2): 34–8. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2014.10.024. PMID 25455298. S2CID 29760853.
  119. ^ Santolla MF, De Francesco EM, Lappano R, Rosano C, Abonante S, Maggiolini M (July 2014). "Niacin activates the G protein estrogen receptor (GPER)-mediated signalling". Cellular Signalling. 26 (7): 1466–75. doi:10.1016/j.cellsig.2014.03.011. PMID 24662263.
  120. ^ Mole B (26 February 2024). "Surprising link found between niacin and risk of heart attack and stroke". Ars Technica. Retrieved 24 May 2024.