|Preferred IUPAC name
3D model (JSmol)
|Molar mass||123.1094 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|
|Acidity (pKa)||2.0, 4.85|
Refractive index (nD)
Std enthalpy of
|−344.9 kJ mol−1|
Std enthalpy of
|−2.73083 MJ mol−1|
|C04AC01 (WHO) C10AD02 (WHO)|
|Intramuscular, by mouth|
|S-phrases (outdated)||S26, S36|
|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).
|what is ?)(|
Niacin also known as nicotinic acid, is an organic compound and is, depending on the definition used, one of the 20 to 80 essential human nutrients. Together with nicotinamide it makes up the group known as vitamin B3 complex. It has the formula C
2 and belongs to the group of the pyridinecarboxylic acids.
Medication and supplemental niacin are primarily used to treat high blood cholesterol and pellagra (niacin deficiency). Insufficient niacin in the diet can cause nausea, skin and mouth lesions, anemia, headaches, and tiredness. The lack of niacin may also be observed in pandemic deficiency disease, which is caused by a lack of five crucial vitamins (niacin, vitamin C, thiamin, vitamin D, and vitamin A) and is usually found in areas of widespread poverty and malnutrition. Niacin is provided in the diet from a variety of whole and processed foods, with highest contents in fortified packaged foods and meat from various animal sources. Some countries require its addition to grains.
This colorless, water-soluble solid is a derivative of pyridine, with a carboxyl group (COOH) at the 3-position. Other forms of vitamin B3 include the corresponding amide nicotinamide ("niacinamide"), where the carboxyl group has been replaced by a carboxamide group (CONH
2), as well as more complex amides and a variety of esters. Nicotinic acid and niacinamide are convertible to each other with steady world demand rising from 8,500 tonnes per year in the 1980s to 40,000 in recent years.
Niacin cannot be directly converted to nicotinamide, but both compounds are precursors of the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) in vivo. NAD converts to NADP by phosphorylation in the presence of the enzyme NAD+ kinase. NADP and NAD 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. High energy requirements (brain) or high turnover rate (gut, skin) organs are usually the most susceptible to their deficiency.
Niacin supplementation has not been found useful for decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease in those already on a statin, but appears to be effective in those not taking a statin. Although niacin and nicotinamide are identical in their vitamin activity, nicotinamide does not have the same pharmacological effects (lipid modifying effects) as niacin. Nicotinamide does not reduce cholesterol or cause flushing. As the precursor for NAD and NADP, niacin is also involved in DNA repair.
- 1 Dietary recommendations
- 2 Medical uses
- 3 Contraindications
- 4 Side effects
- 5 Deficiency
- 6 Pharmacology
- 7 Physical and chemical properties
- 8 Preparations
- 9 History
- 10 Research
- 11 References
- 12 External links
The U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM) updated Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for B vitamins in 1998. The current EARs for niacin for women and men ages 14 and up are 11 mg/day and 12 mg/day, respectively; the RDAs are 14 and 16 mg/day, respectively. RDAs are higher than EARs so as to identify amounts that will cover people with higher than average requirements. RDA for pregnancy is 18 mg/day. RDA for lactation is 17 mg/day. For infants up to 12 months the Adequate Intake (AI) is 2–4 mg/day. For children ages 1–13 years the RDA increases with age from 6 to 12 mg/day. As for safety, the IOM sets Tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) for vitamins and minerals when evidence is sufficient. In the case of niacin the UL is set at 35 mg/day. Collectively the EARs, RDAs, AIs and ULs are referred to as Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs).
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. AI and UL defined the same as in United States. For women (including those pregnant or lactating), men and children the PRI is 1.6 mg niacin per megajoule (MJ) of energy consumed. As the conversion is 1 MJ = 238.8 kcal, an adult consuming 2388 calories should be consuming 16 mg niacin. This is comparable to U.S. RDAs. The niacin UL is set at 10 mg/day, which is much less than the U.S. value. The UL applies to niacin as a supplement consumed as one dose, and in intended to avoid the skin flush reaction. This explains why the PRI can be higher than the UL.
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.
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 was 20 mg, but as of May 27, 2016 it was revised to 16 mg to bring it into agreement with the RDA. A table of the old and new adult Daily Values is provided at Reference Daily Intake. The original deadline to be in compliance was July 28, 2018, but on September 29, 2017 the FDA released a proposed rule that extended the deadline to January 1, 2020 for large companies and January 1, 2021 for small companies.
Among whole food sources with the highest niacin content per 100 grams:
- cooked skipjack tuna, 18.8 mg
- cooked light meat turkey, 11.8 mg
- cooked, lean ground pork, 11.1 mg
- cooked venison, 10.8 mg
- cooked, lean veal, 8.0 mg
- sesame seed flour, 12.5 mg
- ground ginger, 9.6 mg
- dried tarragon, 9.0 mg
- dried, green sweet peppers, 7.4 mg
- grilled portabella mushrooms, 6.2 mg
- roasted sunflower seeds, 4.1 mg
- dehydrated apricots, 3.6 mg
- baked potato, 3.1 mg
Fortified breakfast cereals have among the highest niacin contents (more than 20 mg per 100 grams). Whole grain flours, such as from wheat, rice, barley or corn, and pasta have niacin contents in a range of 3–10 mg per 100 grams.
Niacin has sometimes been used in addition to other lipid-lowering medications. Systematic reviews found no effect of niacin on cardiovascular disease or death, in spite of raising HDL cholesterol, and reported side effects including an increased risk of diabetes.
Treatment of deficiency
Niacin is contraindicated with active liver disease, persistent elevated serum transaminases, active peptic ulcer disease, or arterial bleeding.
The most common adverse effects are flushing (e.g., warmth, redness, itching or tingling), headache, pain, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, rhinitis, pruritus and rash. These can be minimized by initiating therapy at low dosages, increasing dosage gradually, and avoiding administration on an empty stomach. High doses of niacin often temporarily reduce blood pressure as a result of acute vasodilation. In the longer term, high-dose niacin use may persistently lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension, but more research is needed to determine the extent of this effect.
Flushing usually lasts for about 15 to 30 minutes, though it can sometimes last up to two hours. It is sometimes accompanied by a prickly or itching sensation, in particular, in areas covered by clothing. Flushing can be blocked by taking 300 mg of aspirin half an hour before taking niacin, by taking one tablet of ibuprofen per day or by co-administering the prostaglandin receptor antagonist laropiprant. Taking niacin with meals also helps reduce this side effect. Acquired tolerance will also help reduce flushing; after several weeks of a consistent dose, most patients no longer experience flushing. Reduction of flushing focuses on altering or blocking the prostaglandin mediated pathway. Slow- or "sustained"-release forms of niacin have been developed to lessen these side effects. One study showed the incidence of flushing was significantly lower with a sustained-release formulation, though doses above 2 g per day have been associated with liver damage, in particular, with slow-release formulations.
Prostaglandin (PGD2) is the primary cause of the flushing reaction, with serotonin appearing to have a secondary role in this reaction. The effect is mediated by prostaglandin E2 and D2 due to GPR109A activation of epidermal Langerhans cells and keratinocytes. Langerhans cells use cyclooxygenase type 1 (COX-1) for PGE2 production and are more responsible for acute flushing, while keratinocytes are COX-2 dependent and are in active continued vasodilation. Flushing was often thought to involve histamine, but histamine has been shown not to be involved in the reaction.
Gastrointestinal and hepatic
Gastrointestinal complaints, such as indigestion, nausea and liver failure, have also been reported. Hepatotoxicity is possibly related to metabolism via amidation resulting in NAD production. The time-release form has a lower therapeutic index for lowering serum lipids relative to this form of toxicity.
The high doses of niacin used to improve the lipid profile have been shown to elevate blood sugar by 5-10%, thereby worsening diabetes mellitus. Niacin therapy increases the risk of new-onset diabetes by approximately 34%.
Side effects of heart arrhythmias have also been reported.[page needed] Increased prothrombin time and decreased platelet count have been reported; therefore, these should be monitored closely in patients who are also taking anticoagulants.
Particularly the time-release variety, at extremely high doses, can cause acute toxic reactions. Extremely 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.
Between 1906 and 1940 more than 3 million Americans were affected by pellagra with more than 100,000 deaths. Joseph Goldberger was assigned to study pellagra by the Surgeon General of the United States and produced good results. In the late 1930s, studies by Tom Spies, Marion Blankenhorn, and Clark Cooper established that niacin cured pellagra in humans. The disease was greatly reduced as a result.
At present, niacin deficiency is sometimes seen in developed countries, and it is usually apparent in conditions of poverty, malnutrition, and chronic alcoholism. 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. For this reason, people who consume corn as tortillas or hominy are not at risk of niacin deficiency.
Mild niacin deficiency has been shown to slow metabolism, causing decreased tolerance to cold.
Severe deficiency of niacin in the diet causes the disease pellagra, which is characterized by diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia, as well as Casal's necklace lesions on the lower neck, hyperpigmentation, thickening of the skin, inflammation of the mouth and tongue, digestive disturbances, amnesia, delirium, and eventually death, if left untreated. Common psychiatric symptoms of niacin deficiency include irritability, poor concentration, anxiety, fatigue, restlessness, apathy, and depression. Studies have indicated that, in patients with alcoholic pellagra, niacin deficiency may be an important factor influencing both the onset and severity of this condition. Patients with alcoholism typically experience increased intestinal permeability, leading to negative health outcomes.
Hartnup disease is a hereditary nutritional disorder resulting in niacin deficiency. This condition was first identified in the 1950s by the Hartnup family in London. It is due to a deficit in the intestines and kidneys, making it difficult for the body to break down and absorb dietary tryptophan (an essential amino acid that is utilized to synthesize niacin). The resulting condition is similar to pellagra, including symptoms of red, scaly rash, and sensitivity to sunlight. Oral niacin is given as a treatment for this condition in doses ranging from 40–200 mg, with a good prognosis if identified and treated early. Niacin synthesis is also deficient in carcinoid syndrome, because of metabolic diversion of its precursor tryptophan to form serotonin.
Niacin's therapeutic effects are partly mediated through the activation of G protein-coupled receptors, including niacin receptor 1 (NIACR1) and niacin receptor 2 (NIACR2) which are highly expressed in adipose tissue, spleen, immune cells and keratinocytes but not in other expected organs such as liver, kidney, heart or intestine. NIACR1 and NIACR2 inhibit cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production and thus fat breakdown in adipose tissue and free fatty acids available for liver to produce triglycerides and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and consequently low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol. Decrease in free fatty acids also suppress hepatic expression of apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) and PPARg coactivator-1b (PGC-1b) thus increase VLDL turn over and reduce its production. It also inhibits diacylglycerol acyltransferase-2 (important hepatic TG synthesis).
The mechanism behind increasing HDL is not totally understood but it seems to be done in various ways. Niacin increases apolipoprotein A1 levels due to anti catabolic effects resulting in higher reverse cholesterol transport. It also inhibits HDL hepatic uptake, down-regulating production of the cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) gene. Finally, it stimulates the ABCA1 transporter in monocytes and macrophages and up-regulates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ results in reverse cholesterol transport.
It reduces secondary outcomes associated with atherosclerosis, such as low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and triglycerides (TG), but increases high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL). Despite the importance of other cardiovascular risk factors, high HDL was associated with fewer cardiovascular events independent of LDL reduction. Other effects include anti-thrombotic and vascular inflammation, improving endothelial function, and plaque stability. Adipokines are the adipocytes’ produced mediators. Some adipokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, interleukins and chemokines, have pro-inflammatory effect and some others such as adiponectin have anti-inflammatory effect that regulates inflammatory process, decrease vascular progression and atherosclerosis.
Research has been able to show the function of niacin in the pathway lipid metabolism. It is seen that this vitamin can decrease the synthesis of apoB-containing lipoproteins such as VLDL, LDL, IDL and Lipoprotein (a) via several mechanisms: (1) Directly inhibiting the action of DGAT2, a key enzyme for triglyceride synthesis; (2) It has the ability to bind to the receptor HCAR2 thereby decreasing lipolysis and FFA flux to the liver for triglyceride synthesis; and (3) increased apoB catabolism. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol levels are increased by niacin through direct and indirect pathways. (4) Niacin decreases CETP mass and activity, and this synergistic effect with the decrease in triglyceride levels, can indirectly raise HDL cholesterol levels. The study has also been able to show direct effects on the beta chain of ATP synthase (5) and on production (6) and hepatic uptake (7) of apoA-I also increase HDL cholesterol levels. Thus by affecting the pathway reducing lipid levels help in reducing CVD.
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (September 2015)
The liver can synthesize niacin from the essential amino acid tryptophan, requiring 60 mg of tryptophan to make 1 mg of niacin. Riboflavin, vitamin B6 and iron are required in some of the reactions involved in the conversion of tryptophan to NAD.
Physical and chemical properties
Several thousand tons of niacin are manufactured each year, starting from 3-methylpyridine.
Niacin is available as a prescription product, and in the United States as a dietary supplement. Prescription products can be immediate release (Niacor, 500 mg tablets) or extended release (Niaspan, 500 and 1000 mg tablets). Dietary supplement products can be immediate or slow release, the latter including inositol hexanicotinate.
Over-the-counter niacin is not federally regulated in the United States. Some “no flush” types, such as inositol hexanicotinate contain convertible niacin compounds, but have little clinical efficacy in reducing cholesterol levels.
A prescription extended release niacin, Niaspan, has a film coating that delays release of the niacin, resulting in an absorption over a period of 8–12 hours. The extended release formulations generally reduce vasodilation and flushing side effects, but increase the risk of hepatotoxicity compared to the immediate release forms.
A formulation of laropiprant (Merck & Co., Inc.) and niacin had previously been approved for use in Europe and marketed as Tredaptive. Laropiprant is a prostaglandin D2 binding drug shown to reduce vasodilatation and flushing up to 73%. The HPS2-THRIVE study, a study sponsored by Merck, 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. The study resulted in the complete withdrawal of Tredaptive from the international market.
One form of dietary supplement is inositol hexanicotinate (IHN), which is inositol that has been esterified with niacin on all six of inositol's alcohol groups. IHN is usually sold as "flush-free" or "no-flush" niacin in units of 250, 500, or 1000 mg/tablets or capsules. 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 the active form of the medication. While this form of niacin does not cause the flushing associated with the immediate-release products, the evidence that it has lipid-modifying functions is disputed. As the clinical trials date from the early 1960s (Dorner, Welsh) or the late 1970s (Ziliotto, Kruse, Agusti), it is difficult to assess them by today's standards. One of the last of those studies affirmed the superiority of inositol and xantinol esters of nicotinic acid for reducing serum free fatty acid, but other studies conducted during the same period found no benefit. Studies explain that this is primarily because "flush-free" preparations do not contain any free nicotinic acid. A more recent placebo-controlled trial was small (n=11/group), but results after three months at 1500 mg/day showed no trend for improvements in total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C or triglycerides. Thus, so far there is not enough evidence to recommend IHN to treat dyslipidemia.
Nicotinamide may be obtained from the diet where it is present primarily as NAD+ and NADP+. These are hydrolysed in the intestine and the resulting nicotinamide is absorbed either as such, or following its hydrolysis to nicotinic acid. Nicotinamide is present in nature in only small amounts. In unprepared foods, niacin is present mainly in the form of the cellular pyridine nucleotides NAD and NADP. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the co-enzymes can occur during the course of food preparation. Boiling releases most of the total niacin present in sweet corn as nicotinamide (up to 55 mg/kg).
Nicotinamide may be toxic to the liver at doses exceeding 3 g/day for adults.
Niacin was first described by chemist Hugo Weidel in 1873 in his studies of nicotine. The original preparation remains useful: the oxidation of nicotine using nitric acid. For the first time, niacin was extracted by Casimir Funk, but he thought that it was thiamine and due to the discovered amine group he coined the term "vitamine". Niacin was extracted from livers by biochemist Conrad Elvehjem in 1937, who later identified the active ingredient, then referred to as the "pellagra-preventing factor" and the "anti-blacktongue factor." Soon after, in studies conducted in Alabama and Cincinnati, Dr. Tom Spies found that nicotinic acid cured the sufferers of pellagra.
Niacin is referred to as vitamin B3 because it was the third of the B vitamins to be discovered. It has historically been referred to as "vitamin PP", "vitamin P-P" and "PP-factor", that are derived from the term "pellagra-preventive factor". When the biological significance of nicotinic acid was realized, it was thought appropriate to choose a name to dissociate it 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.
In 1955, Altschul and colleagues described niacin as having a lipid lowering property. As such, niacin is the oldest lipid lowering drug.
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 NIACR1. Niacin has been shown to attenuate neuroinflammation and may have efficacy in treating neuroimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Unlike niacin, nicotinamide does not activate NIACR1, however both niacin and nicotinamide activate the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in vitro.
- Nomenclature of Organic Chemistry : IUPAC Recommendations and Preferred Names 2013 (Blue Book). Cambridge: The Royal Society of Chemistry. 2014. pp. 747, 750. doi:10.1039/9781849733069-FP001. ISBN 978-0-85404-182-4.
- Krutmann, Jean; Humbert, Philippe (2010). Nutrition for Healthy Skin: Strategies for Clinical and Cosmetic Practice. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 153. ISBN 9783642122644.
- "Why fortify?". Food Fortification Initiative. 2017. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
- Cantarella L, Gallifuoco A, Malandra A, Martínková L, Spera A, Cantarella M (2011). "High-yield continuous production of nicotinic acid via nitrile hydratase-amidase cascade reactions using cascade CSMRs". Enzyme and Microbial Technology. 48 (4–5): 345–50. doi:10.1016/j.enzmictec.2010.12.010. PMID 22112948.
- Cox, Michael; Lehninger, Albert L; Nelson, David R. (2000). Lehninger principles of biochemistry. New York: Worth Publishers. ISBN 1-57259-153-6.
- Wan P, Moat S, Anstey A (2011). "Pellagra: A review with emphasis on photosensitivity". The British Journal of Dermatology. 164 (6): 1188–200. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.10163.x. PMID 21128910.
- Ishii N, Nishihara Y (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 . PMID 7229643.
- Keene, D; Price, C; Shun-Shin, MJ; Francis, DP (18 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 (Clinical research ed.). 349: g4379. doi:10.1136/bmj.g4379. PMC . PMID 25038074.
- Bruckert, Eric; Labreuche, Julien; Amarenco, Pierre (June 2010). "Meta-analysis of the effect of nicotinic acid alone or in combination on cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis". Atherosclerosis. 210 (2): 353–361. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.12.023. PMID 20079494. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
- Jaconello P (October 1992). "Niacin versus niacinamide". CMAJ. 147 (7): 990. PMC . PMID 1393911.
- Kennedy DO (January 2016). "B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy-A Review". Nutrients. 8 (2): 68. doi:10.3390/nu8020068. PMC . PMID 26828517.
- Kirkland JB (May 2012). "Niacin requirements for genomic stability". Mutat. Res. 733 (1–2): 14–20. doi:10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2011.11.008. PMID 22138132.
- 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 0-309-06554-2. Retrieved 2017-08-29.
- "Overview on Dietary Reference Values for the EU population as derived by the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies" (PDF). 2017.
- "Tolerable Upper Intake Levels For Vitamins And Minerals" (PDF). European Food Safety Authority. 2006.
- "Federal Register May 27, 2016 Food Labeling: Revision of the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels" (PDF).
- "Changes to the Nutrition Facts Panel - Compliance Date"
- "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.188.8.131.52. 17 January 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
- Niacin tablet label Updated March 14, 2013. Page accessed Feb 11, 2016
- Schandelmaier, S; Briel, M; Saccilotto, R; Olu, K. K; Arpagaus, A; Hemkens, L. G; Nordmann, A. J (2017). "Niacin for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 6: CD009744. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009744.pub2. PMID 28616955.
- Garg, Aakash; Sharma, Abhishek; Krishnamoorthy, Parasuram; Garg, Jalaj; Virmani, Deepti; Sharma, Toishi; Stefanini, Giulio; Kostis, John B.; Mukherjee, Debabrata; Sikorskaya, Ekaterina (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.
- "Niacin and niacinamide (Vitamin B3)". MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
- Kos Pharmaceuticals Inc. Niaspan® (niacin extended-release) tablets prescribing information. Cranbury, NJ; 2005 Oct.
- Bays HE, Rader DJ (2009). "Does nicotinic acid (niacin) lower blood pressure?". Int. J. Clin. Pract. 63 (1): 151–9. doi:10.1111/j.1742-1241.2008.01934.x. PMC . PMID 19054161.
- "Guidelines for Niacin Therapy For the Treatment of Elevated Lipoprotein a (Lpa)" (PDF). Rush Hemophilia & Thrombophilia Center. 27 July 2005 [15 August 2002]. Retrieved 20 November 2009.
facial flushing is a common side effect of niacin therapy that usually subsides after several weeks of consistent niacin use
- Kamanna VS, Kashyap ML (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.
- Katzung, Bertram G. (2006). Basic and clinical pharmacology. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical Publishing Division. ISBN 0-07-145153-6.
- Barter, P (2006). "Options for therapeutic intervention: How effective are the different agents?". European Heart Journal Supplements. 8 (F): F47–F53. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/sul041.
- Chapman MJ, Assmann G, Fruchart JC, Shepherd J, Sirtori C (2004). "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". Curr Med Res Opin. 20 (8): 1253–68. doi:10.1185/030079904125004402. PMID 15324528.
- Brunton, Laurence L.; Lazo, John S.; Parker, Keith, eds. (2005). Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (11th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-142280-3.
- Papaliodis D, Boucher W, Kempuraj D, Michaelian M, Wolfberg A, House M, Theoharides TC (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". J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 327 (3): 665–72. doi:10.1124/jpet.108.141333. PMID 18784348.
- Benyó Z, Gille A, Kero J, Csiky M, Suchánková MC, Nüsing RM, Moers A, Pfeffer K, Offermanns S (2005). "GPR109A (PUMA-G/HM74A) mediates nicotinic acid-induced flushing". The Journal of Clinical Investigation. 115 (12): 3634–40. doi:10.1172/JCI23626. PMC . PMID 16322797.
- Benyó Z, Gille A, Bennett CL, Clausen BE, Offermanns S (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.
- Hanson J, Gille A, Zwykiel S, Lukasova M, Clausen BE, Ahmed K, Tunaru S, Wirth A, Offermanns S (2010). "Nicotinic acid- and monomethyl fumarate-induced flushing involves GPR109A expressed by keratinocytes and COX-2-dependent prostanoid formation in mice". The Journal of Clinical Investigation. 120 (8): 2910–9. doi:10.1172/JCI42273. PMC . PMID 20664170.
- Maciejewski-Lenoir D, Richman JG, Hakak Y, Gaidarov I, Behan DP, Connolly DT (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.
- 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.
- Rader JI, Calvert RJ, Hathcock JN (January 1992). "Hepatic toxicity of unmodified and time-release preparations of niacin". The American Journal of Medicine. 92 (1): 77–81. doi:10.1016/0002-9343(92)90018-7. PMID 1731514.
- 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 (British Cardiac Society). 102 (3): 198–203. doi:10.1136/heartjnl-2015-308055. PMC . PMID 26370223.
- Capuzzi DM, Morgan JM, Brusco OA, Intenzo CM (2000). "Niacin dosing: relationship to benefits and adverse effects". Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2 (1): 64–71. doi:10.1007/s11883-000-0096-y. PMID 11122726.
- Mittal MK, Florin T, Perrone J, Delgado JH, Osterhoudt KC (2007). "Toxicity from the use of niacin to beat urine drug screening". Ann Emerg Med. 50 (5): 587–90. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2007.01.014. PMID 17418450.
- Gass JD (2003). "Nicotinic acid maculopathy". Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.). 23 (6 Suppl): 500–10. PMID 15035390.
- Pitsavas S, Andreou C, Bascialla F, Bozikas VP, Karavatos A (2004). "Pellagra encephalopathy following B-complex vitamin treatment without niacin". Int J Psychiatry Med. 34 (1): 91–5. doi:10.2190/29XV-1GG1-U17K-RGJH. PMID 15242145.
- Prakash R, Gandotra S, Singh LK, Das B, Lakra A (2008). "Rapid resolution of delusional parasitosis in pellagra with niacin augmentation therapy". General Hospital Psychiatry. 30 (6): 581–4. doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2008.04.011. PMID 19061687.
- Soga T, Kamohara M, Takasaki J, Matsumoto S, Saito T, Ohishi T, Hiyama H, Matsuo A, Matsushime H, Furuichi K (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.
- 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 (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.
- Wanders D, Judd RL (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.
- Hernandez C, Molusky M, Li Y, Li S, Lin JD (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 . PMID 20889132.
- Villines TC, Kim AS, Gore RS, Taylor AJ (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.
- Rubic T, Trottmann M, Lorenz RL (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.
- Barter P, Gotto AM, LaRosa JC, Maroni J, Szarek M, Grundy SM, Kastelein JJ, Bittner V, Fruchart JC (2007). "HDL cholesterol, very low levels of LDL cholesterol, and cardiovascular events". The New England Journal of Medicine. 357 (13): 1301–10. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa064278. PMID 17898099.
- Jafri H, Alsheikh-Ali AA, Karas RH (2010). "Meta-analysis: Statin therapy does not alter the association between low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased cardiovascular risk". Annals of Internal Medicine. 153 (12): 800–8. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-153-12-201012210-00006. PMID 21173414.
- Wu BJ, Yan L, Charlton F, Witting P, Barter PJ, Rye KA (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.
- Gustafson B (2010). "Adipose tissue, inflammation and atherosclerosis". Journal of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. 17 (4): 332–41. doi:10.5551/jat.3939. PMID 20124732.
- Fu L, Doreswamy V, Prakash R (2014). "The biochemical pathways of central nervous system neural degeneration in niacin deficiency". Neural Regen Res. 9 (16): 1509–1513. doi:10.4103/1673-5374.139475. PMC . PMID 25317166.
Recent evidences suggest that niacin administration may up-regulate the expression of BDNF-TrkB. ... At present, we can safely raise the possibility that niacin-mediated neural growth by the BDNF-TrkB pathway could be at least partially mediated by enhanced HDL-C levels.
- 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.
- Jacobson, EL (2007). "Niacin". Linus Pauling Institute. Retrieved 31 March 2008.
- Dunatchik, Andrew P.; Ito, Matthew K.; Dujovne, Carlos A. (2012-03-01). "A systematic review on evidence of the effectiveness and safety of a wax-matrix niacin formulation". Journal of Clinical Lipidology. 6 (2): 121–131. doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2011.07.003. ISSN 1933-2874. PMID 22385545.
- Meyers, C. Daniel; Carr, Molly C.; Park, Sang; Brunzell, John D. (2003-12-16). "Varying cost and free nicotinic acid content in over-the-counter niacin preparations for dyslipidemia". Annals of Internal Medicine. 139 (12): 996–1002. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-139-12-200312160-00009. ISSN 1539-3704. PMID 14678919.
- Keenan, Joseph M. (2013-01-01). "Wax-matrix extended-release niacin vs inositol hexanicotinate: a comparison of wax-matrix, extended-release niacin to inositol hexanicotinate "no-flush" niacin in persons with mild to moderate dyslipidemia". Journal of Clinical Lipidology. 7 (1): 14–23. doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2012.10.004. ISSN 1933-2874. PMID 23351578.
- Bassan M (2012). "A case for immediate-release niacin". Heart Lung. 41: 95–8. doi:10.1016/j.hrtlng.2010.07.019. PMID 21414665.
- Reiche, Ines; Westphal, Sabine; Martens-Lobenhoffer, Jens; Tröger, Uwe; Luley, Claus; Bode-Böger, Stefanie M. (2011-01-01). "Pharmacokinetics and dose recommendations of Niaspan® in chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients". Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation: Official Publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association. 26 (1): 276–282. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfq344. ISSN 1460-2385. PMID 20562093.
- Lai E, De Lepeleire I, Crumley TM, Liu F, Wenning LA, Michiels N, Vets E, O'Neill G, Wagner JA, Gottesdiener K (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.
- Paolini JF, Bays HE, Ballantyne CM, Davidson M, Pasternak R, Maccubbin D, Norquist JM, Lai E, Waters MG, Kuznetsova O, Sisk CM, Mitchel YB (November 2008). "Extended-release niacin/laropiprant: reducing niacin-induced flushing to better realize the benefit of niacin in improving cardiovascular risk factors". Cardiol Clin. 26 (4): 547–60. doi:10.1016/j.ccl.2008.06.007. PMID 19031552.
- Kamanna VS, Vo A, Kashyap ML (2008). "Nicotinic acid: Recent developments". Current Opinion in Cardiology. 23 (4): 393–8. doi:10.1097/HCO.0b013e3283021c82. PMID 18520725..
- "Treatment of HDL to Reduce the Incidence of Vascular Events HPS2-THRIVE - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov". clinicaltrials.gov. Retrieved 2017-02-20.
- Medscape: Medscape Access
- Nainggolan, Lisa (2013-01-11). "Niacin/Laropiprant Products to Be Suspended Worldwide". Medscape. Retrieved 2017-02-20.
- "Merck begins overseas recall of HDL cholesterol drug". Reuters. 11 January 2013.
- F. Aguilar; U.R. Charrondiere; B. Dusemund; P. Galtier; J. Gilbert; D.M. Gott; S. Grilli; R. Guertler; G.E.N. Kass; J. Koenig; C. Lambré; J-C. Larsen; J-C. Leblanc; A. Mortensen; D. Parent-Massin; I. Pratt; I.M.C.M. Rietjens; I. Stankovic; P. Tobback; T. Verguieva; R.A. Woutersen (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.
- Taheri, R (15 January 2003). "No-Flush Niacin for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia". Medscape. Retrieved 31 March 2008.
- Kruse W, Kruse W, Raetzer H, Heuck CC, Oster P, Schellenberg B, Schlierf G (1979). "Nocturnal inhibition of lipolysis in man by nicotinic acid and derivatives". European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 16 (1): 11–15. doi:10.1007/BF00644960. PMID 499296.
- Meyers CD, Carr MC, Park S, Brunzell JD (2003). "Varying cost and free nicotinic acid content in over-the-counter niacin preparations for dyslipidemia". Annals of Internal Medicine. 139 (12): 996–1002. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-139-12-200312160-00009. PMID 14678919.
- Benjó AM, Maranhão RC, Coimbra SR, Andrade AC, Favarato D, Molina MS, Brandizzi LI, da Luz PL (2006). "Accumulation of chylomicron remnants and impaired vascular reactivity occur in subjects with isolated low HDL cholesterol: effects of niacin treatment". Atherosclerosis. 187 (1): 116–122. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2005.08.025. PMID 16458316.
- Knip M, Douek IF, Moore WP, Gillmor HA, McLean AE, Bingley PJ, Gale EA (2000). "Safety of high-dose nicotinamide: a review". Diabetologia. 43 (11): 1337–45. doi:10.1007/s001250051536. PMID 11126400.
- Weidel, H (1873). "Zur Kenntniss des Nicotins". Justus Liebigs Annalen der Chemie und Pharmacie. 165 (2): 330–349. doi:10.1002/jlac.18731650212.
- Samuel M. McElvain (1941). "Nicotinic Acid" (PDF). Organic Syntheses.; Collective Volume, 1, p. 385
- 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): 137–149.
- Kraut, Alan. "Dr. Joseph Goldberger and the War on Pellagra | Ashes on the Potomac". history.nih.gov. Retrieved 2017-02-20.
- "Pellagra And Its Prevention And Control In Major Emergencies" (PDF). World Health Organization. World Health Organization. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
- "Niacin and Nicotinic Acid". Journal of the American Medical Association. American Medical Association. 118 (10): 823. March 7, 1942. doi:10.1001/jama.1942.02830100053014. Retrieved May 7, 2016.
- "Niacin and Niacin Amide". Journal of the American Medical Association. American Medical Association. 118 (10): 819. March 7, 1942. doi:10.1001/jama.1942.02830100049011. Retrieved May 7, 2016.
- Laguna J, Carpenter KJ (September 1951). "Raw versus processed corn in niacin-deficient diets". J. Nutr. 45 (1): 21–8. PMID 14880960.
- Altschul R, Hoffer A, Stephen JD (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.
- Offermanns S, Schwaninger M (2015). "Nutritional or pharmacological activation of HCA(2) ameliorates neuroinflammation". Trends Mol Med. 21 (4): 245–255. doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2015.02.002. PMID 25766751.
Neuroinflammatory cells express HCA2, a receptor for the endogenous neuroprotective ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as well as for the drugs dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and nicotinic acid, which have established efficacy in the treatment of MS and experimental stroke, respectively. This review summarizes the evidence that HCA2 is involved in the therapeutic effects of DMF, nicotinic acid, and ketone bodies in reducing neuroinflammation.
- Chai JT, Digby JE, Choudhury RP (May 2013). "GPR109A and vascular inflammation". Curr Atheroscler Rep. 15 (5): 325. doi:10.1007/s11883-013-0325-9. PMC . PMID 23526298.
As GPR109A's primary pharmacological ligand in clinical use, niacin has been used for over 50 years in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, mainly due to its favourable effects on plasma lipoproteins.
- Graff EC, Fang H, Wanders D, Judd RL (February 2016). "Anti-inflammatory effects of the hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2". Metab. Clin. Exp. 65 (2): 102–113. doi:10.1016/j.metabol.2015.10.001. PMID 26773933.
HCA2 is highly expressed on immune cells, including macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils and dermal dendritic cells, among other cell types. ... Recent studies demonstrate that HCA2 mediates profound anti-inflammatory effects in a variety of tissues.
- Wakade C, Chong R (December 2014). "A novel treatment target for Parkinson's disease". J. Neurol. Sci. 347 (1–2): 34–38. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2014.10.024. PMID 25455298.
- 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". Cell. Signal. 26 (7): 1466–1475. doi:10.1016/j.cellsig.2014.03.011. PMID 24662263.