Author(s)

Thirugnana Subramanian^*

Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, USA.

Niacin or nicotinic acid is a form of B3 vitamin prescribed at higher concentrations for the suppression of cholesterol levels. Supplemental doses may cause very little or no side effects. However, higher concentrations of niacin cause hot flushes for most people. Here we propose a biochemical mechanism of niacin induced hot flushes. Orally taken prescription doses of niacin are converted to NAD with the liberation of excess pyrophosphate which in turn releases energy in the form of heat (hot flushes through capsaicin receptor) by the action of pyrophosphatases. The excess pyrophosphate may suppress cholesterol biosynthesis through feedback mechanism. The pathways of NAD and cholesterol biosynthesis were discussed with refence to the production and function of pyrophosphate.

Cholesterol Biosynthesis, NAD, Niacin, Niacinamide, Pyrophosphate

Subramanian, T. (2023) Mechanism of Niacin Induced Hot Flushes and Suppression of Cholesterol. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 11, 233-238. doi: 10.4236/jbm.2023.115016.