Application

Nicotinic acid has been used as a standard in NAD⁺ precursor rescue experiments. It has also been used as a vitamin supplement in various culture media such as complete medium (CM) and synthetic medium.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Nicotinic acid or Niacin regulates lipid metabolism by reducing low density lipoprotein (LDL), increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and by inhibiting the progression of atherosclerosis and coronary artery lesions. Niacin deficiency leads to pellagra. In addition to vitamin supplement, niacin is also used as a broad spectrum lipid drug.

General description

Nicotinic acid, also referred as Niacin or vitamin B₃, is a water soluble vitamin. It is present in vitamin-enriched bread, liver, meat, fish, poultry, potatoes, green vegetables, peanuts and cereals.

Other Notes

Coenzyme and Cofactors, vol 2: Pyridine Nucleotide Coenzymes