Nicotinic Acid Powder

A: According to the USP monograph, Niacin must contain not less than 99.0% and not more than 101.0% of C₆H₅NO₂ calculated on the dried basis. Loss on drying should not exceed 1.0%, residue on ignition should not exceed 0.1%, and heavy metals (as Pb) should not exceed 0.002%. UV identification requires the ratio A₂₃₇/A₂₆₂ to be between 0.46 and 0.50. Our product meets all USP requirements with a typical assay of 99.8%.

A: Both are forms of Vitamin B3 with different properties and indications. Nicotinic acid causes transient skin flushing (prostaglandin‑mediated vasodilation) and is highly effective for lipid modification (lowering LDL‑C and triglycerides, raising HDL‑C). Nicotinamide does NOT cause flushing and is preferred for joint health, skin care, and pellagra treatment in patients who cannot tolerate the flush. For cholesterol‑lowering applications, nicotinic acid is the correct choice.

A: For immediate‑release niacin: start at 250 mg once daily, with dose adjustments every 4‑7 days based on effect and tolerance, reaching a therapeutic dose of 1.5‑2 g/day in divided doses (every 6‑8 hours), not to exceed 6 g/day. For extended‑release niacin: start at 500 mg at bedtime, adjust every 4 weeks, target 1‑2 g once daily. For dietary supplements (non‑therapeutic), typical doses are 50‑250 mg/day. All dosing should be under appropriate medical or formulation supervision.

A: The niacin flush is a transient prostaglandin‑mediated vasodilation causing redness, warmth, and itching, typically occurring at doses above 50 mg. It is harmless and diminishes with continued use. To manage flush in finished products: (1) use extended‑release formulations (dosing at bedtime), (2) co‑administer with aspirin or NSAIDs (30‑60 min before dosing), (3) use inositol hexanicotinate (flush‑free niacin), or (4) use gradual dose escalation in the finished product label instructions. Note that extended‑release niacin has been associated with higher hepatotoxicity risk compared to immediate‑release.

A: Niacin is contraindicated in patients with significant or unexplained hepatic dysfunction, active peptic ulcer disease, arterial bleeding, and known hypersensitivity to any component. Cases of severe hepatotoxicity, including fulminant hepatic necrosis, have occurred, particularly when sustained‑release products are substituted for immediate‑release at equivalent doses. Liver function tests should be monitored before treatment, every 6‑12 weeks for the first year, and periodically thereafter. Niacin should be used with caution in patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol, have a past history of liver disease, diabetes, or gout.

A: The evidence is controversial. A 2017 Cochrane meta‑analysis of 23 RCTs including 39,195 participants found that niacin did not reduce overall mortality (RR 1.05), cardiovascular mortality (RR 1.02), non‑fatal myocardial infarctions (RR 0.93), or strokes (RR 0.95). Participants taking niacin were more likely to discontinue treatment due to side effects. In 2016, the FDA withdrew the indication for niacin ER co‑administration with statins, concluding that the benefits no longer outweigh the risks. However, niacin remains effective for improving lipid profiles in patients who cannot tolerate statins.

A: Our standard MOQ is 1 kg per product. Yes, free samples (20–50 g) are available upon request; shipping charges may apply for sample delivery.

A: Nicotinic acid is soluble in hot water but sparingly soluble in cold water (approximately 1 g/60 mL at 25°C). This moderate solubility limits its use in clear cold beverages. For powdered drink mixes, it can be acceptable with thorough mixing. For better cold‑water solubility, consider using nicotinamide (sodium salt forms) or other B3 derivatives.

A: Yes. We offer OEM/ODM services, including custom particle sizes (40–200 mesh), micronization, custom packaging, and finished-dosage-form development (tablets, capsules, powder blends, B‑complex formulations). Please get in touch with our sales team for a detailed discussion.