Niacin

Niacin (vitamin B3) is comprised of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. Niacinamide and nicotinamide are water soluble B3.

There are two co-enzyme forms: nicotinamide dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). Both play an important role in energy transfer reactions in the metabolism of glucose, fat and alcohol.

Nicotinamide dinucleotide (NAD)
NAD carries hydrogens and their electrons during metabolic reactions, including the pathway from the citric acid cycle to the electron transport chain. NADP is a coenzyme in lipid and nucleic acid synthesis.

Learn more

 * Niacin-Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center
 * Nicotinamide - Memorial Sloan Kettering Center Center