The major biochemical role of nicotinamide (vitamin B3) is its involvement in redox reactions and energy
metabolism. The biological forms of nicotinamide are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and
nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) coenzymes. Nicotinamide is a component of vitamin
B-complex and is used in combination with other vitamin B compounds in pharmaceutical preparations.
Several analytical methods have been used for the assay of nicotinamide in commercial products. These
methods include high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction
modes (LC/UV /MS/MRM), liquid chromatographic-isotope detection mass spectrometry (LC/DMS), and
planner chromatography-multiple detection by electro-spray mass spectrometry (ES/MS), capillary zone
electrophoresis (CZE), thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-densitometry, differential pulse polarography and
cyclic voltametry. The clinical analysis of nicotinamide involves the application of liquid chromatographytandem
mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary
electrochromatgraphy.
Keywords
Nicotinamide, niacinamide, biochemical functions, pharmaceutical analysis, clinical analysis