Significance of Niacin

Co-enzyme I (nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide NAD) and Co-enzyme II (nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate NADP) are required by all living cells. They enable both the conversion of carbohydrates into energy as well as the metabolism of proteins and fats. Both nicotinamide and nicotinic acid are building blocks for these co-enzymes. The common name for the vitamin is niacin and, strictly speaking, refers only to nicotinic acid. 

Since the human body produces neither nicotinic acid nor the amide, it is dependent on intake via foodstuffs. Although niacin is found in a bound form naturally in wheat, yeast and pork and beef liver, most niacin today is produced synthetically by chemical oxidation of alkyl pyridines. To demonstrate the economic significance of this, in 1995 worldwide a total of 22 000 metric tonnes of niacin and niacinamide were produced. Today between 35 000 and 40 000 tonnes are produced and the demand for nicotinates is rising. Thus, both economic and ecological factors play a significant role. 

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