Who Is Nicotinic Acid?

Nicotinic acid (also known as niacin) is vitamin B3, which occurs naturally in food. Used as a medicine, it can improve levels of blood fats (lipids) such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Nicotinic acid works by reducing the amount of 'bad' cholesterol and triglycerides made by the liver.

What is the role of nicotinic acid?

Niacin (nicotinic acid) is used to prevent and treat niacin deficiency (pellagra). Niacin deficiency may result from certain medical conditions (such as alcohol abuse, malabsorption syndrome, Hartnup disease), poor diet, or long-term use of certain medications (such as isoniazid).

Which disease is caused by nicotinic acid?

Niacin deficiency causes pellagra, a disease characterized by skin lesions (scaly skin sores), gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea), and mental disorders (mental confusion and hallucinations).