antipellagra vitamin

2 definitions found

antipellagra vitamin - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  niacin \niacin\ n.
     A B vitamin (vitamin B5) essential for the normal function of
     the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Called
     also nicotinic acid and antipellagra vitamin. Chemical
     formula C6H5NO2, chemically it is 3-pyridinecarboxylic
     acid.
  
     Syn: nicotinic acid.
          [WordNet 1.5]

  nicotinic acid \nic`o*tin"ic ac"id\, n. (Chem.)
     An organic acid (C6H5NO2), a carboxylated derivative of
     pyridine, obtained by the oxidation of nicotine; called also
     niacin and antipellagra vitamin, and vitamin B5.
     Chemically it is 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid.
  
     Note: It is a cofactor in several enzymatic reactions, and is
           used to prevent a pellagra-like disease in dogs.
           --[MI11]
  
     Syn: 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid, niacin, antipellagra vitamin.
          [1913 Webster +PJC]