Buy Nicotinic Acid (Niacin) Online

Nicotinic acid, also known as niacin or vitamin B₃, is a water-soluble organic compound that plays a critical role in human health and metabolism. It's best known for its use as a vitamin supplement and cholesterol-lowering agent, but also has interesting applications in chemistry and industry.

Chemical Overview

Property	Value
IUPAC Name	Pyridine-3-carboxylic acid
Molecular Formula	C₆H₅NO₂
Molar Mass	123.11 g/mol
Structure	Pyridine ring with a carboxylic acid at position 3
Synonyms	Niacin, Vitamin B₃, 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid

 

Biological Role

1. Vitamin B₃ Function

Nicotinic acid is essential for the synthesis of NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP⁺, two coenzymes involved in redox reactions vital to:

• Cellular respiration

• DNA repair

• Energy production (ATP)

2. Deficiency – Pellagra

A lack of niacin leads to pellagra, characterized by the "3 Ds":

• Dermatitis

• Diarrhea

• Dementia

• (If untreated: Death)

This deficiency is still a concern in regions where diets are low in niacin or tryptophan (a precursor).

Pharmaceutical Uses

1. Cholesterol-Lowering Agent

At pharmacological doses (1–3 grams/day), nicotinic acid:

• Lowers LDL (bad cholesterol)

• Raises HDL (good cholesterol)

• Reduces triglyceride levels

It's often used as an adjunct to statins or when patients cannot tolerate other lipid-lowering drugs.

2. Niacin Flush

A common side effect is skin flushing, caused by vasodilation. This can be mitigated with:

• Gradual dose titration

• Extended-release formulations

• Pre-treatment with aspirin

Chemical and Industrial Applications

Besides its biological roles, nicotinic acid is used in:

1. Synthesis of NAD/NADP Analogs

It serves as a building block in bioorganic and medicinal chemistry.

2. Precursor for Agrochemicals and Pharmaceuticals

Used in the synthesis of:

• Herbicides

• Antibacterial agents

• Antidiabetic drugs

3. Food Fortification

Added to flour and cereals to prevent deficiency-related diseases in populations.

Chemical Properties

Property	Value
Melting Point	237 °C (decomposes)
Solubility	Soluble in water, ethanol
pKa	~4.9 (carboxylic acid group)
Appearance	White crystalline powder
Stability	Stable under normal conditions

 

Natural Sources

Niacin is found in:

• Meat (especially liver)

• Fish

• Whole grains

• Legumes

• Seeds

• Fortified cereals

The body can also synthesize niacin from tryptophan, an essential amino acid, albeit inefficiently.

Safety and Toxicity

• Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL): ~35 mg/day for adults (due to flushing)

• High doses (>1 g/day) can cause:

  • Liver toxicity

  • Hyperglycemia

  • Gastrointestinal issues

  • Visual disturbances

Use of niacin as a drug should always be supervised by a healthcare professional.

Summary

Feature	Description
Name	Nicotinic Acid (Niacin, Vitamin B₃)
Function	Precursor to NAD⁺/NADP⁺, energy metabolism
Medical Use	Treats pellagra, lowers cholesterol
Side Effects	Flushing, liver toxicity (at high doses)
Sources	Meat, grains, legumes, fortified foods

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