NICOTINIC ACID

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Nicotinic Acid serves as a fundamental precursor to NAD+, a critical coenzyme for cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and the maintenance of optimal cerebral blood flow.

Cellular Energy and Cerebral Circulation
Nicotinic acid is primarily recognized for its role as a precursor to Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme essential for mitochondrial function and the generation of ATP (cellular energy). [1] Adequate levels of NAD+ are crucial for neuronal resilience, as the brain consumes a disproportionate amount of the body's energy. [2] Beyond cellular energetics, Nicotinic acid is a potent vasodilator. It acts on specific receptors to expand blood vessels, thereby increasing cerebral blood flow. This improved perfusion delivers oxygen and glucose more efficiently to the brain, which is vital for sustained cognitive performance and preventing ischemic damage. [3]

Neuroprotection and DNA Repair
Beyond immediate energy production, Nicotinic acid exhibits significant neuroprotective properties through the support of genomic stability. The enzymes responsible for repairing damaged DNA (PARPs) are NAD+-dependent; therefore, Nicotinic acid availability directly influences the neuron's ability to repair oxidative DNA damage. [4,5] Furthermore, studies indicate that Nicotinic acid stimulates GPR109A receptors, creating an anti-inflammatory response in the brain. This mechanism has been observed to reduce neuroinflammation, a key factor in the progression of neurodegenerative conditions, suggesting a potential restorative capability for long-term brain health. [6]

Toxicity
Nicotinic acid is generally considered safe but has a distinct side-effect profile compared to other B vitamins. The most common reaction is the "Niacin Flush" (cutaneous flushing), caused by prostaglandin-mediated vasodilation; while uncomfortable, it is generally harmless and transient. [7] However, toxicity can occur at high pharmacological doses (typically >1000 mg/day). Hepatotoxicity (liver stress) has been observed in extremely high, sustained-release doses, leading to the establishment of Upper Tolerable Intake Levels. [8,9] Standard dietary or low-dose supplementation typically falls well within safety margins.

Key Citations

Bogan, K.L. & Brenner, C. Niacinic acid, nicotinamide, and nicotinamide riboside: a molecular evaluation of NAD+ precursor vitamins in human nutrition. Annu. Rev. Nutr., 28, 115–130 (2008) ↩

Verdin, E. NAD⁺ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science, 350(6265), 1208–1213 (2015) ↩

Chen, J., Cui, X., Zacharek, A., Roberts, C., Chopp, M. Niacin treatment increases brain erythropoietin levels and provides therapeutic benefit after stroke. Stroke, 38(11), 2966-2971 (2007) ↩

Canto, C., Menzies, K.J., Auwerx, J. NAD(+) Metabolism and the Control of Energy Homeostasis: A Balancing Act between Mitochondria and the Nucleus. Cell Metab., 22(1), 31–53 (2015) ↩

Ame, J.C., Spenlehauer, C., de Murcia, G. The PARP superfamily. Bioessays, 26(8), 882–893 (2004) ↩

Offermanns, S., Schwaninger, M. Nutritional protection of the brain – the role of hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2). Curr. Opin. Pharmacol., 20, 19-24 (2015) ↩

Benyo, Z., Gille, A., Kero, J., Csiky, M., Suchy, M.C., Nusing, R.M., Moers, A., Pfeffer, K., Offermanns, S. GPR109A (PUMA-G/HM74A) mediates nicotinic acid–induced flushing. J. Clin. Invest., 115(12), 3634–3640 (2005) ↩

Rader, J.I., Calvert, R.J., Hathcock, J.N. Hepatic toxicity of unmodified and time-release preparations of niacin. Am. J. Med., 92(1), 77–81 (1992) ↩

Institute of Medicine (US) Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. National Academies Press (US), (1998) ↩

NICOTINIC ACID

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Nicotinic Acid serves as a fundamental precursor to NAD+, a critical coenzyme for cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and the maintenance of optimal cerebral blood flow.

Key Citations

Bogan, K.L. & Brenner, C. Niacinic acid, nicotinamide, and nicotinamide riboside: a molecular evaluation of NAD+ precursor vitamins in human nutrition. Annu. Rev. Nutr., 28, 115–130 (2008) ↩

Verdin, E. NAD⁺ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science, 350(6265), 1208–1213 (2015) ↩

Chen, J., Cui, X., Zacharek, A., Roberts, C., Chopp, M. Niacin treatment increases brain erythropoietin levels and provides therapeutic benefit after stroke. Stroke, 38(11), 2966-2971 (2007) ↩

Canto, C., Menzies, K.J., Auwerx, J. NAD(+) Metabolism and the Control of Energy Homeostasis: A Balancing Act between Mitochondria and the Nucleus. Cell Metab., 22(1), 31–53 (2015) ↩

Ame, J.C., Spenlehauer, C., de Murcia, G. The PARP superfamily. Bioessays, 26(8), 882–893 (2004) ↩

Offermanns, S., Schwaninger, M. Nutritional protection of the brain – the role of hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2). Curr. Opin. Pharmacol., 20, 19-24 (2015) ↩

Rader, J.I., Calvert, R.J., Hathcock, J.N. Hepatic toxicity of unmodified and time-release preparations of niacin. Am. J. Med., 92(1), 77–81 (1992) ↩

Herb Garden

NICOTINIC ACID

Key Citations

Herb Garden

NICOTINIC ACID

Key Citations