Also known as: Niacin, Nicotinic Acid, Nicotinamide, Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 (niacin) is a water-soluble vitamin that serves as a precursor to the coenzymes NAD and NADP, which are involved in over 400 enzymatic reactions including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cell signalling.
Niacin, or vitamin B3, encompasses two principal forms: nicotinic acid and nicotinamide (niacinamide). Both are converted to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and its phosphorylated form NADP, coenzymes essential for redox reactions throughout metabolism. NAD is critically involved in glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, while NADP supports anabolic reactions such as fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis. Nicotinic acid at pharmacological doses (1.500–2.000 mg/day) has been used to improve lipid profiles by raising HDL cholesterol and lowering triglycerides, though the clinical benefit on cardiovascular outcomes has been questioned by recent trials. Nicotinamide, which does not cause flushing, is used in dermatology for acne and skin cancer prevention. The body can also synthesise niacin from tryptophan, with approximately 60 mg of tryptophan yielding 1 mg of niacin.
NAD and NADP derived from niacin are involved in over 400 enzymatic reactions essential for converting food into cellular energy via glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and the electron transport chain.
Pharmacological doses of nicotinic acid raise HDL cholesterol by 15–35% and lower triglycerides by 20–50%, though the AIM-HIGH and HPS2-THRIVE trials questioned additional cardiovascular benefit when added to statins.
NAD is a substrate for PARP enzymes and sirtuins, which are critical for DNA damage repair and epigenetic regulation of ageing-related gene expression.
With a meal
RDA is 16 mg NE for men and 14 mg NE for women. NE = niacin equivalents (1 mg niacin = 1 NE = 60 mg tryptophan).
Split doses with meals; take aspirin 30 min before to reduce flushing
Requires medical supervision. Liver function tests should be monitored. Gradual dose titration recommended.
General supplementation without flushing
Lipid management under medical supervision
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