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INFORMATION ON VITAMIN B3 (NICOTINAMIDE)
Niacinamide is the other main form of vitamin B3. Unlike niacin, it does not cause flushing and is generally better tolerated. It is also a precursor to NAD? and NADP?, essential for energy production and cellular repair.
Functions:
- Supports mitochondrial ATP production and cellular energy balance
- Involved in DNA repair and cell signaling pathways
- Promotes joint comfort and cartilage protection
- Enhances skin barrier function and reduces inflammation
- Widely used in dermatology and anti-aging formulations
POPULAR USE & PUBLISHED BENEFITS bbbb
Niacinamide is commonly used to support:
- Energy metabolism and reduction of fatigue
- Skin health (anti-aging, acne, barrier function)
- Joint comfort and reduced inflammation (studied in osteoarthritis)
- Brain and cognitive function
- Cellular repair and longevity (via NAD? metabolism)
WHOLE FOODS
Animal Sources:
- chicken, turkey, beef, pork, liver, salmon, tuna
Plant-Based Sources:
- peanuts, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, avocados, brown rice, fortified cereals
(Tryptophan from protein foods also contributes indirectly.)
RECOMMENDED USE
Synergistic Nutrients:
- Tryptophan (niacin precursor, B6 dependent)
- Resveratrol & Quercetin (NAD? synergy in cell health)
- Chromium (works with niacin forms in glucose metabolism)
Typical Dosages:
- Maintenance: 4–16 mg/day
- Functional support: 30–100 mg/day
- Therapeutic (joint/skin/cellular health): up to 200 mg/day (generally well-tolerated)
Special Note:
- Niacinamide does not cause flushing.
- Nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) are advanced NAD? precursors with similar cellular benefits.
- High doses (>1500–2000 mg/day) may increase risk of liver enzyme elevation or gastrointestinal upset.
- Generally safer than niacin for long-term use in joint, skin, and cellular health.
- Monitor if used in very high doses for extended periods.
VITAMIN B3 (NICOTINAMIDE)
- NIH Fact Sheet on Niacin – ods.od.nih.gov
- Linus Pauling Institute: lpi.oregonstate.edu
- Knip M et al. Lancet (2000) – Niacinamide in type 1 diabetes prevention
- Rajman L et al. Cell Metab (2018) – NAD? metabolism and aging