Niacinamide, polarised light micrograph. Niacinamide (pyridine-3-carboxylic acid) is an essential micro-nutrient. Niacin was first synthesized by oxidising nicotine with nitric acid in 1873. Low levels of niacin in the body result in skin problems, anaemia, headaches and nausea. Niacin was formerly known as Vitamin-PP or PP-factor where the PP is abbreviated for pellagra preventative. Niacin is a precursor to a number of coenzymes which are used in the body to break down fats and proteins, repair DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and produce fatty acids. In sufficient levels it lowers the level of bad cholesterol and raises the amount of good cholesterol. Magnification: x70 when printed 10 centimetres wide.