Nicotinic acid is another term for niacin, or Vitamin B3. This essential nutrient is involved in metabolism and, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHBLI), can be used medicinally to lower cholesterol. The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine recommends that beginning at age nine, people consume between 14 and 17 mg of nicotinic acid, or niacin daily. Children younger than nine-years-old generally require between 4 and 8 mg of the vitamin. Many different type of food are good sources of nicotinic acid. Both carnivores and vegetarians alike can glean nicotinic acid from their diets.
Meats
A variety of meats, including chicken, beef, organ meats such as liver, and lamb are sources of nicotinic acid, according to WHFoods, a nutritional information website affiliated with the George Mateljan Foundation. Four oz. of roasted chicken breast account for almost an entire day's recommendation of niacin, at slightly more than 14 mg. An equal portion of lamb loin contains almost 7 mg, or just under 39 percent of the RDA. Cooked ground beef contains about 1.5 mg of nicotinic acid per ounce.
Seafood
Seafood lovers can enjoy a seaside meal and get their required intake of niacin at the same time. Shrimp, tuna, salmon and halibut are all considered good sources of nicotinic acid by WHFoods. Topping the list is yellowfin tuna, containing 67 percent of the RDA at 13.5 mg per 4 oz. serving. Chinook salmon measures up at 56 percent RDA of niacin with 11 mg per 4 oz serving, and halibut weighs in at 40 percent of the needed nicotinic acid, containing 8 mg for an equal portion. Steamed or boiled shrimp is a little less nutrient-dense when it comes to niacin, with just under 3 mg per 4 oz. serving.
Vegetables
Dietary sources of nicotinic acid include a wide range of vegetables, according to the Feinberg School of Medicine. Carrots, mushrooms, corn, sweet potatoes, baked potatoes, tomatoes, asparagus, greens, broccoli, eggplant and squash all provide some amounts of nicotinic acid. A medium carrots contains 0.7 mg of niacin, while a 1/2 cup serving of green peas can give a person 8 percent of his daily nicotinic acid needs.
Fruits
As a whole, fruit does not provide much nicotinic acid when compared to vegetables and meats. Fruits that are orange in color, including cantaloupe, mango and peaches, however, can be a dietary source of niacin. A medium peach eaten raw offers just shy of 1 mg of niacin. Mango weighs in at 1.5 mg per medium piece, and cantaloupe packs 1.5 mg of the nutrient per cup.
Nuts and Grains
Whole grains and nuts can also be a good food source of nicotinic acid for the carb lover. A quarter cup of raw peanuts offers 22 percent of the RDA of niacin, with an equal amount of almonds providing a bit more. Whole grain cereals, flour tortillas and cooked pasta also also grain-based sources of nicotinic acid.
