niacin

noun

ni·​a·​cin ˈnī-ə-sən 

: an acid C₆H₅NO₂ of the vitamin B complex found widely in animals and plants and used especially against pellagra

also : nicotinamide

called also nicotinic acid

Examples of niacin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Common side effects from niacin include skin flushing (redness), stomach pain, diarrhea, heartburn, and vomiting.12 Nicotinamide is also available as a supplement and plays a similar role in the NAD pathway. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 22 Oct. 2024

At 17 milligrams per cup, peanuts also contain more niacin than any other nut. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2024

Rutabagas also supply niacin and thiamine, which are necessary for growth, energy metabolism, and cellular function.2930 11. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Oct. 2024

Nutritional Facts of Rutabagas Rutabagas are low in calories, yet are high in fiber and essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, folate, niacin, and thiamin. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

nicotinic acid + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

niacin

noun

ni·​a·​cin ˈnī-ə-sən 

: an acid of the vitamin B complex that is found widely in plants and animals and is used especially against pellagra

called also nicotinic acid

Medical Definition

niacin

noun

ni·​a·​cin ˈnī-ə-sən 

: a crystalline acid C₆H₅NO₂ that is a member of the vitamin B complex occurring usually in the form of a complex of niacinamide in various animal and plant parts (as blood, liver, yeast, bran, and legumes) and is used especially to lower LDL and triglyceride levels in the blood and to treat pellagra

called also nicotinic acid