A new interest in the relationship between niacin and cancer has evolved from the discovery that the principal form of this vitamin, NAD, is consumed as a substrate in ADP-ribose transfer reactions. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, an enzyme activated by DNA strand breaks, is the ADP-ribosyltransferase of greatest interest with regard to effects on the niacin status of cells since its Km for NAD is high, and its activity can deplete NAD.

Studies of the consequences of DNA damage in cultured mouse and human cells as a function of niacin status have supported the hypothesis that niacin may be a protective factor that limits carcinogenic events.

To test this hypothesis in humans, we used a biochemical method based on the observation that as niacin nutriture decreases, NAD readily declines and NADP remains relatively constant. This has been demonstrated in both fibroblasts and in whole blood from humans.

Thus, we use "niacin number," (NAD/NAD+NADP) x 100% from whole blood, as a measure of niacin status. Healthy control subjects showed a mean niacin number of 62.8 +/- 3.0 compared to 64.0 for individuals on a niacin-controlled diet. Analyses of women in the Malmo Diet and Cancer Study showed a mean niacin number of 60.4 with a range of 44 to 75.

The distribution of niacin status in this population was nongaussian, with an unpredictably large number of individuals having low values.

About the Authors

Jacobson EL. (1993) Niacin deficiency and cancer in women. J Am Coll Nutr. 1993 Aug;12(4):412-6. Dept. of Clinical Sciences, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40536-0080.