Nicotinic Acid, commonly known as Niacin or Vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for the synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and its phosphate form (NADP), which are critical coenzymes in cellular energy metabolism. It is produced through chemical synthesis by oxidation of nicotine or 3-methylpyridine and appears as a white crystalline powder.
Nicotinic Acid supports cardiovascular health, lipid metabolism, and skin function. It is widely used in food and cereal fortification programs, dietary supplements, animal feed premixes, and pharmaceutical preparations. Both nicotinic acid and nicotinamide (niacinamide) forms are commercially available, with nicotinic acid preferred when vasodilatory effects are desired.
