Nicotinate refers to a salt or ester of nicotinic acid, a compound with a specific chemical structure. It is the deprotonated form of nicotinic acid, classified as a pyridinemonocarboxylate.
Understanding Nicotinate and Its Forms
Nicotinate is closely related to Vitamin B3, also known as niacin. Niacin includes several forms: nicotinic acid, niacinamide (also called nicotinamide), and derivatives like inositol hexanicotinate.
Nicotinic acid is the direct form of niacin, while niacinamide is an amide form. Niacinamide performs all core biochemical functions of niacin and can prevent deficiency. Inositol hexanicotinate is an ester of nicotinic acid and inositol, often marketed as “no-flush” niacin because it releases nicotinic acid more slowly, potentially reducing common side effects.
These forms of Vitamin B3 can be found naturally in various dietary sources. Common examples include meat, fish, nuts, mushrooms, whole-grain cereals, legumes, eggs, peanuts, and seeds.
Essential Functions in the Body
Nicotinate, as Vitamin B3, plays an important role in numerous biological processes. Its primary function involves conversion into two coenzymes: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). These coenzymes are present in all cells and are necessary for a wide range of enzymatic reactions.
NAD and NADP are important in energy metabolism. They act as electron carriers in redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions, converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s main energy currency. NAD is involved in catabolic reactions like glycolysis, while NADP is used in anabolic processes such as fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis.
Beyond energy production, these coenzymes are also involved in DNA repair mechanisms, helping maintain genetic material integrity and prevent mutations. NAD+ depletion can occur from excessive DNA damage, and nicotinamide can enhance DNA repair.
Therapeutic Uses and Health Benefits
Nicotinate, particularly nicotinic acid, has therapeutic uses, especially in managing lipid levels. It is recognized for its ability to improve cholesterol profiles by lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, reducing triglycerides, and raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
Nicotinic acid can reduce total cholesterol by up to 25%, LDL cholesterol by up to 15%, and triglycerides by up to 50%. It demonstrates the highest efficacy in increasing HDL cholesterol, with reported increases ranging from 15% to 35%. This broad-spectrum effect on lipids makes it useful for addressing dyslipidemia and supporting cardiovascular health.
Beyond its lipid-modifying actions, niacin is also used to treat pellagra, a deficiency disease characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. While nicotinamide can prevent pellagra, nicotinic acid is effective in treating it. Research also explores its potential in supporting skin health by improving the appearance of aged skin and reducing hyperpigmentation.
Potential Side Effects and Safety
Nicotinate, particularly nicotinic acid, can cause several side effects, with the “niacin flush” being most common. This reaction involves warmth, redness, itching, or a tingly sensation, primarily on the face, arms, and chest, and can also include headaches. Starting with low doses and gradually increasing them, or taking aspirin about 30 minutes before the niacin dose, may help mitigate this effect.
Other potential adverse effects include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Liver toxicity is a more serious concern, especially with high doses or sustained-release forms of niacin, with transient elevations in liver enzymes occurring in up to 20% of users. Severe cases, though less common, can lead to liver failure.
Niacin can interact with certain medications, including those that slow blood clotting, potentially increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding. It is also contraindicated in individuals with severe liver disease, active peptic ulcers, or active bleeding due to increased risks.
Guidance on Supplementation
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin B3 varies by age and sex. For adult men, the RDA is around 16 mg per day, and for adult women, it is around 14 mg per day, with slightly higher needs during pregnancy. These amounts are met through a balanced diet.
Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs) have been established to prevent adverse effects from excessive intake. For supplemental nicotinic acid, the UL for adults is 10 mg/day, while for supplemental nicotinamide, it is higher, around 900 mg/day. These ULs are for supplemental forms, not dietary intake.
It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any nicotinate supplementation, especially when considering therapeutic doses for conditions like high cholesterol. Dietary sources of Vitamin B3, found in foods like meat, fish, nuts, and whole grains, are preferred for meeting daily requirements.