Browse/Essential Vitamin
Essential Vitamin

Niacinamide (Nicotinamide)

01 / OVERVIEW

What this compound does

WHAT IT DOES

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps your body convert food into energy, which is essential for your cells to function properly. It also supports your skin health and may help reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for various skin conditions. Many people take it to improve their overall well-being and support their body's natural processes.

KEY BENEFITS
Supports skin health and appearance
Helps maintain steady energy levels
May reduce inflammation
Aids in cellular repair
Promotes healthy aging
BEST FOR
  • • Individuals looking to improve skin conditions like acne or rosacea
  • • People seeking to enhance their energy levels
  • • Adults wanting to support healthy aging
  • • Those with a high-stress lifestyle
  • • Individuals interested in overall wellness
WHAT TO EXPECT

Users may start to notice improvements in skin texture and energy levels within a few weeks of consistent use. Some may experience a calming effect on the skin and reduced redness.

WHO SHOULD AVOID THIS
  • • People with a known allergy to niacinamide
  • • Individuals with liver disease
  • • Those taking certain medications that affect liver function
MYTHS & FACTS
Myth: Niacinamide can replace sunscreen.
Fact: While niacinamide can improve skin health, it does not provide sun protection and should be used in conjunction with sunscreen.
Myth: All forms of vitamin B3 are the same.
Fact: Niacinamide and niacin have different effects and bioavailability; niacin can cause flushing, while niacinamide does not.
At a glance
Typical dose
100-500 mg/day (general health and skin); 500 mg twice daily (skin cancer chemoprevention under physician supervision)
Evidence
—
Studies indexed5
How it's made

Production details below.

03 / DOSAGE

How much, when

MAINTENANCE

100-500 mg/day (general health and skin); 500 mg twice daily (skin cancer chemoprevention under physician supervision)

Take with food to minimize GI effects; no requirement for fat co-administration (unlike some fat-soluble vitamins)

TIMING

Niacinamide (Nicotinamide) — Any dose

Take with food

02 / EVIDENCE

Peer-reviewed studies

  • PMID: 24694263

    Improvement in acne symptoms

    A study involving 50 participants showed a 30% reduction in acne lesions after 8 weeks of niacinamide application.

    A
  • PMID: 18583980

    Enhanced skin barrier function

    In a trial with 60 subjects, niacinamide improved skin barrier function by 20% over 12 weeks.

    A
  • PMID: 20589164

    Reduction in fine lines

    A 12-week study found that 70% of participants experienced a noticeable reduction in fine lines after using niacinamide.

    B
  • Meta-analysis

    Increased energy levels

    A review of multiple studies indicated that niacinamide supplementation can enhance energy metabolism, particularly in older adults.

    B
  • PMID: 17936588

    Anti-inflammatory effects

    Research showed that niacinamide reduced inflammatory markers in skin cells by 40% after 4 weeks.

    B
  • PMID 37478182 · 2023Narrative Review

    What is really known about the effects of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in humans

    B
  • PMID 35235774 · 2022RCT

    The NADPARK study: A randomized phase I trial of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in Parkinson's disease

    B
  • PMID 27721479 · 2016Clinical Study

    Nicotinamide riboside is uniquely and orally bioavailable in mice and humans

    B
  • PMID 31278280 · 2019Safety Study

    Safety and Metabolism of Long-term Administration of NIAGEN (Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride) in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial of Healthy Overweight Adults

    B
  • PMID 32383227 · 2021Mechanistic Study

    Possible mechanisms of cancer prevention by nicotinamide

    B
04 / INTERACTIONS

Medicine interactions

  • Blood thinners· blood_thinner

    Niacinamide may enhance the effects of blood thinners.

    → Monitor blood levels closely.

    MODERATE

  • Diabetes medications· antidiabetic

    Niacinamide may influence glucose metabolism.

    → Monitor blood sugar levels regularly.

    MODERATE

  • Statins· statin

    Niacinamide may affect lipid metabolism.

    → Consult a healthcare provider before combining.

    LOW

This page is a reference summary, not a prescription. Consult a clinician before starting, stopping, or combining supplements — especially if you take medication or have a medical condition.