Nicotinic acid, NAD levels and links to disease
What it found
Nicotinic acid helps the body make molecules that control cell energy and gene activity.
Scientists are exploring its role in cancer, aging, heart problems and metabolic diseases.
What they found
How cells use it
The body turns nicotinic acid into two helper molecules called NAD and NADP. These are needed for most chemical reactions that keep cells running and breathing.
Gene control enzymes
NAD also fuels enzymes that manage genes and how they are read. These include proteins called poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases and sirtuins.
Diet and gene activity
Growing research links the amount of niacin eaten to how well these gene-controlling enzymes work. This suggests diet may influence genetic stability, metabolism and aging.
Links to disease
Research connects niacin and NAD to conditions like cancer, aging, metabolic diseases and heart problems. This has shifted interest toward using niacin as a treatment rather than just a vitamin.
What the authors conclude
- They note that new research has changed how scientists view niacin, shifting from a simple vitamin to a possible treatment.
- Their review highlights growing evidence linking dietary niacin intake to gene control and major diseases.
How it was done
Scientists have learned more about how dietary niacin connects to key molecules that help control genes and metabolism. They wanted to explore whether niacin could do more than act as a basic vitamin.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This summary describes how niacin works in cells and what research areas exist. It does not measure health outcomes from taking extra niacin in people.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- University of Guelph, Canada; Utah State University, United States
The paper
- Title
- Niacin
- Type
- Study
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Kirkland JB, Meyer-Ficca ML (2018). Niacin. Advances in food and nutrition research. doi:10.1016/bs.afnr.2017.11.003PubMed 29477227DOI
Summary written 30 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error