NIACIN (B3)

Water soluble
Vitamin

NICOTINIC ACID.
ALSO KNOWN AS
NICOTINAMIDE (NIACINAMIDE). RDA 2
Male (14-70+): 16 mg/d
Female (14-70+): 14 mg/d
Functions1 Pregnancy/Lactation:
Nicotinamide is the primary precursor of NAD, synthesized in all 17 mg/d
tissues. NAD is crucial in the metabolism of all 3 macronutrients.
UPPER LIMIT 2
Nicotinic acid can also be used to synthesize NAD (liver only). Adult (14-70+): 35 mg/d

Toxicity1,3,4,5
Toxicity when consumed >1 g/day: Vasodilatory side effects mediated
partly by Histamine release: Flushing, redness, burning, pruritis Food Sources1
(itching), tingling, and headaches (with nicotinic acid). GI effects Meats (Beef liver esp), Fish,
(heartburn, nausea, vomiting), hepatic toxicity, hyperuricemia, gout, and Peanuts, fortified Cereals,
hyperglycemia may also occur. Chicken, Nuts, Seeds,
Coffee

Deficiency1,5
Discovered in 1937 because of deficiency in humans and dogs

In humans: Pellagra was especially prevalent in Sites of Absorption1

Stomach and Small Intestine
Southeastern US where corn (containing an unavailable form of
Niacin) was the main dietary staple in early 1900s.

Symptoms of Pellagra: dementia, dermatitis, diarrhea, Precursor: Tryptophan1

pigmented rash, vomiting, constipation, red tongue, depression, 60 mg Tryptophan = 1 mg Niacin
apathy, headache, fatigue.

Interesting Fact: Niacin was once known as the anti-Black Tongue DNIs5
Factor for its effect on dogs. Tetracycline
Anticoagulants & BP Rx
CAUTION FOR SUPPLEMENTATION5 HMG CoA Reductase
inhibitors
Diabetes & decreased hepatic function: high amounts of niacin can Bile acid sequestrants
increase glucose, HbA1c, homocysteine, alk phos, AST, ALT, bil, Glipizide
Glyburide
LDH, uric acid, CPK. Insulin preparations
Fe, Zn & Riboflavin
Contraindicated in Lactation: antihyperlipidemic effects.

Joyce Moon, Niacin Resume, 2016.

REFERENCES
1. Gropper SS, Smith JL. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth
Cengage Learning; 2013. pp. 330-334.
2. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B12,
Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1998. pp. 123-149.
3. Al-Mohaissen MA, Pun SC, Fohlich JJ. Niacin: from mechanisms of action to therapeutic uses. Medicinal
Chem. 2010; 10:204-17.
4. Robinson A, Sloan H, Arnold G. Use of niacin in the prevention and management of hyperlipidiemia.
Prog Cardiovasc Nurs. 2001;16: 14-20.
5. Pronsky MZ, Crowe SJP. Food Medication Interactions. 17th edition. Birchunville, PA: Food-Medication
Interactions; 2012. p. 228

Joyce Moon, Niacin Resume, 2016.