Niacin Research and Requirements IntroductionNiacin, also commonly called vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, is a prevalent water-soluble vitamin that has become an intriguing research topic for scientists. The Institution of Medicine has leveraged a variety of sources focusing exclusively on niacin to compile a detailed DRI chapter for the vitamin. Throughout this article, information from the DRI chapter itself will be presented along with alternative sources that contribute to these recommendations. Nutrient Functions, Nutrient Sources, and Populations at Risk Niacin functions largely in the coenzyme forms nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide. adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) to carry out many biological reactions within the body (Institute of Medicine, 1998, p. 124). More specifically, intracellular respiration is a primary function of NAD while NADP can be found functioning in reductive biosynthesis. Both coenzyme forms of niacin also function as codehydrogenases. Mixed dishes, which feature meat, fish or poultry as the main course; enriched and wholemeal bread and bread products; and fortified ready-to-eat cereals contribute the most to niacin intake among adults living in the United States according to the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes (IOM, 1998, p. 137). Pharmaceutical supplements can also be used as a source of niacin. Supplements containing up to 400 mg of niacin are available to the public as over-the-counter products (IOM, 1998, p. 138). Since niacin contributes greatly to the body's normal function, it is important for US citizens to be aware of niacin sources to obtain the recommended amount and avoid becoming niacin deficient. Although niacin today… the focus of the article… energy intake and expenditure cannot be used to help establish the EAR and RDA due to the variation in energy use by gender, size, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Rather, it is recognized that a 10% adjustment in niacin's function in the oxidation of fuel molecules accounts for these differences as a whole (IOM, 1998, p. 130). To produce and present reliable information, resources must be tediously sorted to ensure that the science underlying the established recommendations is of good quality. Critical Article Review The Standing Committee of the Institute of Medicine used a wide range of research and studies to ensure maximum accuracy when compiling the DRI chapter for niacin. One reference, Grace A. Goldsmith MD, presents helpful information for setting the niacin DRI in her article “Niacin-Tryptophan Relationship in Man and Niacin Requirements”.”