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niacin

American  
[nahy-uh-sin] / ˈnaɪ ə sɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.
  1. nicotinic acid.


niacin British  
/ ˈnaɪəsɪn /

noun

  1. another name for nicotinic acid

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

niacin Scientific  
/ nīə-sĭn /
  1. A water-soluble organic acid belonging to the vitamin B complex that is important in carbohydrate metabolism. It is a pyridine derivative and is a precursor of the coenzyme NAD. Niacin is found in liver, fish, and whole-grain foods. Deficiency of niacin in the diet causes pellagra. Also called nicotinic acid. Chemical formula: C 6 H 5 NO 2 .


Etymology

Origin of niacin

First recorded in 1935–40; ni(cotinic) ac(id) + -in 2

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Researchers at the University of Calgary are studying whether high doses of vitamin B3, also known as niacin, could improve outcomes when added to conventional glioblastoma treatment.

From Science Daily Jun. 22, 2026

In addition, it supplies several vitamins, including thiamine, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.

From Science Daily Jan. 16, 2026

Flour is already fortified with calcium, niacin, thiamine and iron as a means of improving public health.

From BBC Nov. 14, 2024

"The main takeaway is not that we should cut out our entire intake of niacin -- that's not a realistic approach," said Dr. Hazen.

From Science Daily Feb. 19, 2024

The way to unlock the niacin in corn is to cook it with an alkali like lime.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

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