Nicotinic acid and serotonin are formed from :
High-Yield Explanation
Following hydroxylation of tryptophan to 5-hydroxytryptophan by liver tyrosine hydroxylase, subsequent decarboxylation forms serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), a potent vasoconstrictor and stimulator of smooth muscle contraction. The amino acid tryptophan can be conveed to niacin with an efficiency of 60:1 by weight. Thus, the RDA for niacin is expressed in niacin equivalents. A lower conversion of tryptophan to niacin occurs in vitamin B6 and/or riboflavin deficiencies and in the presence of isoniazid. Ref: Russell R.M., Suter P.M. (2012). Chapter 74. Vitamin and Trace Mineral Deficiency and Excess. In D.L. Longo, A.S. Fauci, D.L. Kasper, S.L. Hauser, J.L. Jameson, J. Loscalzo (Eds), Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18e.