Merck, 72309-500G, Nicotinic acid

General description
Nicotinic acid, also referred as Niacin or vitamin B₃, is a water soluble vitamin. It is present in vitamin-enriched bread, liver, meat, fish, poultry, potatoes, green vegetables, peanuts and cereals.
Application
Nicotinic acid has been used as a standard in NAD⁺ precursor rescue experiments. It has also been used as a vitamin supplement in various culture media such as complete medium (CM) and synthetic medium.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Nicotinic acid or Niacin regulates lipid metabolism by reducing low density lipoprotein (LDL), increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and by inhibiting the progression of atherosclerosis and coronary artery lesions. Niacin deficiency leads to pellagra. In addition to vitamin supplement, niacin is also used as a broad spectrum lipid drug.
Other Notes
Coenzyme and Cofactors, vol 2: Pyridine Nucleotide Coenzymes