Niacin is utilized by the body to synthesize sex hormones and maintain the health of the nervous system and digestive system. Niacin can be produced by the body from the amino acid tryptophan. If deficient in the vitamins B1, B2, and B6, the body cannot perform this process. More specifically, certain minerals and nutrients like niacin, act as coenzymes. Cofactors act as protein catalysts.
Cofactors are divides into two categories, one being coenzymes.
The coenzymes are group transfer reagents. They can accept or donate mobile metabolic groups. This group can be an electron, hydrogen, or some larger attached chemical group. The above mentioned metabolic groups are each attached to a reactive center. The chemical properties of these reactive centers are very important.