Niacin

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin, stable under both acidic and alkali conditions and resistant to light and oxidation. Niacin is synonymous with nicotinic acid or nicotinamide. Both compounds have identical Vitamin activity and are absorbed from the stomach and small intestine.
Dogs are able to convert the amino acid Tryptophan into Niacin; however, cats cannot. Niacin promotes healthy skin and is needed for energy metabolism, proper digestion, and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system.
Functions of Niacin:
• Niacin is involved in a variety of biological processes such as:
o Energy production
o Regulation of gene expression
o Maintenance of genomic activity
o Biosynthesis of long-chain fatty acids, cholesterol and steroids
• Component of two coenzymes, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), required by many dehydrogenases. They are reduced and act as electron carriers
• Important in the oxidative processes in all tissues.