Inositol hexaphosphate, or IP6, is a naturally occurring component of  plant fiber that is thought to possess antioxidant, anticancer, and other beneficial properties. It can be found in the germ of bran portion of whole grains (especially whole kernel corn) and legumes.

As inositol hexanicotinate is slowly metabolized by the body and releases niacin over a period of time, it generally has the same anti-aging benefits as niacin; however, some research suggests that inositol hexanicotinate is safer and better tolerated.

Niacin it vital for energy release in tissues and cells, as it helps form the coenzymes NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP (nicotinamide adenine denucleotide phosphate), which are involved in the release of energy from food. The vitamin also helps to maintain a healthy nervous and digestive system and is essential for normal growth and for healthy skin. Niacin can also help to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels—some research suggests that inositol hexanicotinate is slightly more effective than niacin in this regard. Niacin also plays a role in the production of bile salts and the synthesis of sex hormones. Some studies have suggested that vitamins may help to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.

Niacin deficiency can cause the condition pellagra (symptoms include dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia). Other symptoms of deficiency are bright red tongue; sore tongue and gums; inflamed mouth, throat and esophagus; canker sores: metal illness; perceptual changes in the five senses, muscle weakness, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, bad breath, etc.