Nicotinic acid

Nicotinic acid, also called niacin, is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 and a precursor to the coenzymes NAD and NADP. At pharmacological doses, it can alter blood lipid levels.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide: NAD is a coenzyme that transfers electrons in cellular oxidation-reduction reactions. Nicotinic acid can be converted into NAD, which carries out much of its metabolic work.
Pellagra: Pellagra is a deficiency disease marked by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. Nicotinic acid prevents and treats pellagra by restoring vitamin B3 supply.
Vitamin B3: Vitamin B3 is the group of nutrients that includes nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. Nicotinic acid is one of the two principal forms counted as vitamin B3.
Statin: Statins are medicines that lower LDL cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. Statins have stronger evidence for preventing cardiovascular events than nicotinic acid therapy.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate: NADP is a coenzyme used chiefly in reductive biosynthesis and antioxidant defense. Nicotinic acid supplies a precursor for NADP, which supports biosynthesis and cellular redox balance.
Dyslipidemia: Dyslipidemia is an abnormal concentration or composition of lipids in the blood. Nicotinic acid has been prescribed to modify several blood lipid measures.
Tryptophan: Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that can be converted into NAD in humans. The body can make some vitamin B3 activity from tryptophan, reducing dependence on dietary niacin.
Ezetimibe: Ezetimibe is a medicine that reduces intestinal absorption of cholesterol. It lowers LDL through a different mechanism and is commonly considered when additional reduction is needed.
Nicotinic acid receptor 1: A G-protein-coupled receptor activated by nicotinic acid and encoded by HCAR2. Activation of this receptor helps explain nicotinic acid's flushing and some proposed lipid effects.
High-density lipoprotein: High-density lipoprotein is a class of particles that transports cholesterol through the bloodstream. Nicotinic acid can raise HDL cholesterol, though this change has not reliably reduced cardiovascular events.

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PyridineBroader topic: This biologically important pyridine derivative illustrates the ring’s use in pharmaceuticals and nutrition.