Niacin (nicotinic acid and nicotinamide) is an essential nutrient required for the synthesis of the coenzymes NAD⁺ and NADP⁺, which participate in hundreds of metabolic reactions. NAD⁺ is primarily involved in catabolic energy-producing pathways such as the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and alcohol, while NADP⁺ plays a major role in anabolic processes including fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis. Because nearly every metabolic pathway relies on these coenzymes, niacin deficiency can lead to widespread metabolic dysfunction. Mild deficiency presents with nonspecific symptoms such as weakness, irritability, insomnia, and appetite loss, whereas severe deficiency results in pellagra—characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and potentially death.
Clinically, niacin levels are evaluated in individuals presenting with symptoms of deficiency, metabolic disorders, digestive issues, alcohol abuse, or mucosal inflammation. Niacin also has established therapeutic use as a cholesterol-modifying drug, known to raise HDL and lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. When combined with statin therapy, niacin has demonstrated benefits in improving lipid profiles and supporting cardiovascular health. Because niacin metabolism depends on other B-vitamins—including thiamine, pyridoxine, and riboflavin—deficiencies in these nutrients may further impact niacin status.
The Niacin test kit measures total free niacin in serum using a microbiological growth assay. Lactobacillus plantarum, coated on the microtiter plate, exhibits niacin-dependent growth, which is quantified by turbidity after incubation. The resulting signal is directly proportional to niacin concentration, enabling accurate assessment for both clinical diagnostics and research applications in human and veterinary medicine.
This product is manufactured in USA by Immundiagnostik AG.
