Abstract
Inositol hexaniacinate (IHN) is the hexanicotinic acid ester of meso-inositol. This compound consists of six molecules of nicotinic acid (niacin) with an inositol molecule in the center (see figure). Pharmacokinetic studies indicate the molecule is, at least in part, absorbed intact, and hydrolyzed in the body with release of free niacin and inositol.1 It appears to be metabolized slowly, not reaching maximum serum levels until approximately 10 hours after ingestion.