niacin

American  

[nahy-uh-sin] / ˈnaɪ ə sɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. nicotinic acid.

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niacin British  

/ ˈnaɪəsɪn /

noun

1. another name for nicotinic acid

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niacin Scientific  

/ nī′ə-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 .

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Etymology

Origin of niacin

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

Compare meaning

How does niacin compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• niacin vs. niacinamide

Example Sentences

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

From BBC • Nov. 14, 2024

Cleveland Clinic researchers have identified a new pathway that contributes to cardiovascular disease associated with high levels of niacin, a common B vitamin previously recommended to lower cholesterol.

From Science Daily • Feb. 19, 2024

Abdelhameid: Specifically a deficiency of niacin, or vitamin B3.

From Scientific American • Oct. 26, 2023

I have been taking niacin for years along with vitamin C and the amino acids lysine and proline.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 14, 2023

Maize lacks digestible niacin, the amino acids lysine and tryptophan, necessary to make proteins and diets with too much maize can lead to protein deficiency and pellagra, a disease caused by lack of niacin.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann