Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUses of NiacinamideSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSimilar SupplementsFrequently Asked QuestionsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses of Niacinamide
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Similar Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & What to Look For
Niacinamide(also callednicotinamide) is a B3 vitamin that may help improve skin conditions, such as acne, wrinkles, and melasma. It also shows promise in lowering blood phosphate levels in people receiving dialysis, and delaying the onset of type 1 diabetes.
Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it’s not stored in the body. Instead, you need to consume it regularly through food or supplements.It’s important to note that niacinamide and niacin are different forms of vitamin B3, each with unique chemical structures and benefits.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Supplement Facts
Niacinamide for Skin Care
Niacinamide has been studied for several different skin issues. Read on for more information about its possible benefits.
Always consult a healthcare provider specializing in skin health, such as a dermatologist, if you have developed a skin issue. Self-treating with supplements or delaying diagnosis and treatment can make conditions worse.
Niacinamide for Niacin Deficiency
Niacinamide supplementation can reverse the issues associated with niacin deficiency. It’s generally recommended over nicotinic acid (niacin) to treat niacin deficiency due to fewer side effects.
Niacin deficiency can result from the following:
Symptoms of niacin deficiency include the following:
Talk with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian nutritionist if you believe you may have a niacin deficiency. They will help diagnose and treat this condition.
Other Conditions
Researchers have also studied niacinamide for its use in the following:
Further high-quality studies are needed before recommendations can be made for these conditions.
Niacinamide supplements.
What Are the Side Effects of Niacinamide?
As with most supplements and medications, side effects are possible when taking niacinamide.
Your healthcare provider may recommend taking a niacinamide supplement for any of the reasons discussed in the previous section.
No matter the reason for taking niacinamide, it’s essential to know and understand any common or severe side effects you may or may not experience.
Common Side Effects
In general, niacinamide has fewer potential side effects than other forms of niacin. However, taking higher doses than normal of niacinamide can make side effects more likely.
Side effects of topical (skin) niacinamide creams include:
Severe Side Effects
When niacinamide supplements are taken at a dose that’s too high, severe side effects may occur.
Severe side effects of niacinamide include the following:
Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you experience side effects from taking niacinamide supplements. It may be necessary to stop taking niacinamide in some instances.
Specific populations of people should take precautions when starting niacinamide supplements.
Dosage: How Much Niacinamide Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your needs.
Niacinamide is generally considered safe in foods and supplements in doses of less than 35 milligrams (mg) daily.
Research has found it is safe when taken in doses up to 950-1500 mg daily. Though niacinamide may be safe in these higher amounts, side effects may arise (such as increased bleeding and an upset stomach).
Talk with your healthcare provider when deciding how much niacinamide to take daily.
Depending on your unique needs, health conditions, or other medications or products you use, you may need more or less niacinamide.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Niacinamide?
Of all the forms ofniacinavailable in supplement form, niacinamide is generally the safest. However, it’s still possible to take too much niacinamide.
The following issues have been reported with too much niacinamide:
In people undergoingdialysisthrough the vein, niacinamide’s most common side effects (500–1,500 mg daily for several months) included:
The following moderate interactions are possible between niacinamide and other medications:
There are no known interactions between niacinamide and foods.
Niacinamide supplements can slow blood clotting and increase your risk of bleeding. For these reasons, it may be best to avoid taking niacinamide with supplements that may also increase bleeding, such as the following:
You must carefully read the ingredient list on the nutrition label of any supplement you take to know which and how much of each ingredient is in the supplement. Please review all supplement labels with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Niacinamide
You should store niacinamide supplements in a cool, dry place.
You should avoid storing your supplements in places that could become too hot or cold. It’s also best to keep supplements away from direct sunlight.
Some niacinamide creams or serums may require refrigeration.
Consult the label of your products for the best storage techniques.
Some supplements work similarly to niacinamide:
Niacinamide has several potential uses. Similar supplements may replicate the effects of niacinamide.
Please consult your healthcare provider or registered dietitian nutritionist for the safest supplement regimen.
Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is a form of vitamin B3. The umbrella term vitamin B3 includes nicotinic acid and nicotinamide.Niacinamide and nicotinic acid (aka niacin) are common forms of vitamin B3 in supplements. Your body can convert tryptophan from food into niacinamide as needed, and it may make niacinamide from niacin to an extent when there’s enough of it.
Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is a form of vitamin B3. The umbrella term vitamin B3 includes nicotinic acid and nicotinamide.
Niacinamide and nicotinic acid (aka niacin) are common forms of vitamin B3 in supplements. Your body can convert tryptophan from food into niacinamide as needed, and it may make niacinamide from niacin to an extent when there’s enough of it.
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, a water-soluble vitamin. This means that vitamin B3 and other water-soluble vitamins can dissolve in water.In contrast, fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat like vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, a water-soluble vitamin. This means that vitamin B3 and other water-soluble vitamins can dissolve in water.
In contrast, fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat like vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Common ingredients added to niacinamide supplements include cellulose, gelatin, and stearic acid. Serums may contain vitamin B5, vitamin C, licorice extract, and glucosamine. Multivitamins may also contain niacinamide, so you’ll want to take care when taking supplements together so you don’t get too much.
Learn MoreVerywell Health’s Dietary Supplement Methodology
Sources of Niacinamide and What to Look For
Typically, you may be getting enough niacinamide through your diet.
If possible, take a “food first” approach to getting enough niacinamide.
Eating a variety of whole foods can help you get most of the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Niacinamide supplements may be necessary to treat certain skin conditions.
Deficiencies can happen if your body cannot absorb enough niacinamide or if you have any other conditions.
Speak with your healthcare provider to see if they think niacinamide can help.
Food Sources of Niacinamide
Tryptophanin foods may eventually convert to niacinamide in the body through different biochemical pathways.
Food sources of tryptophan include the following:
Niacinamide Supplements
When purchasing a new supplement, look for “niacinamide” on the label. Other products may claim the benefits of niacinamide but contain different ingredients or forms of vitamin B3, like niacin (nicotinic acid). These do not work the same way niacinamide does.
Niacinamide supplements are generally safe and may help with various medical conditions. Before taking any supplements, talk to your healthcare provider. This will ensure you know the correct dosage for your health needs and goals.
Summary
Niacinamide has been studied for several health conditions, such as pellagra, acne, and skin cancer. Niacinamide supplements may help treat certain skin conditions or be used if your body cannot absorb enough niacinamide.
Although niacinamide supplements are generally safe, consult a healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hrubša M, Siatka T, Nejmanová I, et al.Biological properties of vitamins of the B-complex, part 1: vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B5.Nutrients. 2022;14(3):484. doi:10.3390/nu14030484National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.Niacinamide.Walocko FM, Eber AE, Keri JE, et al.The role of nicotinamide in acne treatment.Dermatol Ther. 2017;30(5). doi:10.1111/dth.12481Boo YC.Mechanistic basis and clinical evidence for the applications of nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to control skin aging and pigmentation.Antioxidants. 2021;10(8):1315.doi:10.3390/antiox10081315Navarrete-Solís J, Castanedo-Cázares JP, Torres-Álvarez B, et al.A double-blind, randomized clinical trial of niacinamide 4% versus hydroquinone 4% in the treatment of melasma.Dermatol Res Pract.2011;2011:379173.Chen AC, Martin AJ, Choy B, et al.A phase 3 randomized trial of nicotinamide for skin-cancer chemoprevention.N Engl J Med. 2015;373(17):1618-1626. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1506197Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health.Niacin.Maiese K.Nicotinamide as a foundation for treating neurodegenerative disease and metabolic disorders.Curr Neurovasc Res. 2021;18(1):134-149. doi:10.2174/1567202617999210104220334National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.Nicotinic Acid Deficiency.Zhang Y, Ma T, Zhang P.Efficacy and safety of nicotinamide on phosphorus metabolism in hemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(41):e12731. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000012731Murray, Michael T.Diabetes mellitus types i and ii.Textbook of Natural Medicine. 2020:1262-1286.e5. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-43044-9.00165-5Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health.Niacin.El‐Khalawany M, Nouh AH, Kadah AS, Elsheikh M, Said M.Evaluation of safety and efficacy of topical 4% nicotinamide in treatment of psoriasis; among a representative sample of Egyptians (An analytical observational study).Dermatologic Therapy. 2022;35(9). doi:10.1111/dth.15734Huber R, Wong A.Nicotinamide: an update and review of safety & differences from niacin.Skin Therapy Lett. 2020;25(5):7-11.Khtab TA, Kamil YM, Jalil AQ.The effect of zinc and niacin powder addition on some physiological and production performance of turkey.IOP Conf Ser: Earth Environ Sci. 2023;1158(5):052022. doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1158/5/052022Savinova OV, Fillaus K, Harris WS, Shearer GC.Effects of niacin and omega-3 fatty acids on the apolipoproteins in overweight patients with elevated triglycerides and reduced HDL cholesterol.Atherosclerosis. 2015;240(2):520-525. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.04.793Borrego-Sánchez A, Sainz-Díaz CI, Perioli L, Viseras C.Theoretical Study of Retinol, Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid with Halloysite Clay Mineral as Active Ingredients for Topical Skin Care Formulations.Molecules. 2021;26(15):4392. doi:10.3390/molecules26154392Ratnarajah K, Zargham H, Jafarian F.Confusion among different forms of vitamin B3.J Cutan Med Surg. 2020;24(6):642-643. doi:10.1177/1203475420936649Additional ReadingProusky JE.The use of niacinamide and solanaceae (nightshade) elimination in the treatment of osteoarthritis.J Orthomol Med. 2015;30(1).
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hrubša M, Siatka T, Nejmanová I, et al.Biological properties of vitamins of the B-complex, part 1: vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B5.Nutrients. 2022;14(3):484. doi:10.3390/nu14030484National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.Niacinamide.Walocko FM, Eber AE, Keri JE, et al.The role of nicotinamide in acne treatment.Dermatol Ther. 2017;30(5). doi:10.1111/dth.12481Boo YC.Mechanistic basis and clinical evidence for the applications of nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to control skin aging and pigmentation.Antioxidants. 2021;10(8):1315.doi:10.3390/antiox10081315Navarrete-Solís J, Castanedo-Cázares JP, Torres-Álvarez B, et al.A double-blind, randomized clinical trial of niacinamide 4% versus hydroquinone 4% in the treatment of melasma.Dermatol Res Pract.2011;2011:379173.Chen AC, Martin AJ, Choy B, et al.A phase 3 randomized trial of nicotinamide for skin-cancer chemoprevention.N Engl J Med. 2015;373(17):1618-1626. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1506197Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health.Niacin.Maiese K.Nicotinamide as a foundation for treating neurodegenerative disease and metabolic disorders.Curr Neurovasc Res. 2021;18(1):134-149. doi:10.2174/1567202617999210104220334National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.Nicotinic Acid Deficiency.Zhang Y, Ma T, Zhang P.Efficacy and safety of nicotinamide on phosphorus metabolism in hemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(41):e12731. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000012731Murray, Michael T.Diabetes mellitus types i and ii.Textbook of Natural Medicine. 2020:1262-1286.e5. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-43044-9.00165-5Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health.Niacin.El‐Khalawany M, Nouh AH, Kadah AS, Elsheikh M, Said M.Evaluation of safety and efficacy of topical 4% nicotinamide in treatment of psoriasis; among a representative sample of Egyptians (An analytical observational study).Dermatologic Therapy. 2022;35(9). doi:10.1111/dth.15734Huber R, Wong A.Nicotinamide: an update and review of safety & differences from niacin.Skin Therapy Lett. 2020;25(5):7-11.Khtab TA, Kamil YM, Jalil AQ.The effect of zinc and niacin powder addition on some physiological and production performance of turkey.IOP Conf Ser: Earth Environ Sci. 2023;1158(5):052022. doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1158/5/052022Savinova OV, Fillaus K, Harris WS, Shearer GC.Effects of niacin and omega-3 fatty acids on the apolipoproteins in overweight patients with elevated triglycerides and reduced HDL cholesterol.Atherosclerosis. 2015;240(2):520-525. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.04.793Borrego-Sánchez A, Sainz-Díaz CI, Perioli L, Viseras C.Theoretical Study of Retinol, Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid with Halloysite Clay Mineral as Active Ingredients for Topical Skin Care Formulations.Molecules. 2021;26(15):4392. doi:10.3390/molecules26154392Ratnarajah K, Zargham H, Jafarian F.Confusion among different forms of vitamin B3.J Cutan Med Surg. 2020;24(6):642-643. doi:10.1177/1203475420936649Additional ReadingProusky JE.The use of niacinamide and solanaceae (nightshade) elimination in the treatment of osteoarthritis.J Orthomol Med. 2015;30(1).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Hrubša M, Siatka T, Nejmanová I, et al.Biological properties of vitamins of the B-complex, part 1: vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B5.Nutrients. 2022;14(3):484. doi:10.3390/nu14030484National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.Niacinamide.Walocko FM, Eber AE, Keri JE, et al.The role of nicotinamide in acne treatment.Dermatol Ther. 2017;30(5). doi:10.1111/dth.12481Boo YC.Mechanistic basis and clinical evidence for the applications of nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to control skin aging and pigmentation.Antioxidants. 2021;10(8):1315.doi:10.3390/antiox10081315Navarrete-Solís J, Castanedo-Cázares JP, Torres-Álvarez B, et al.A double-blind, randomized clinical trial of niacinamide 4% versus hydroquinone 4% in the treatment of melasma.Dermatol Res Pract.2011;2011:379173.Chen AC, Martin AJ, Choy B, et al.A phase 3 randomized trial of nicotinamide for skin-cancer chemoprevention.N Engl J Med. 2015;373(17):1618-1626. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1506197Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health.Niacin.Maiese K.Nicotinamide as a foundation for treating neurodegenerative disease and metabolic disorders.Curr Neurovasc Res. 2021;18(1):134-149. doi:10.2174/1567202617999210104220334National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.Nicotinic Acid Deficiency.Zhang Y, Ma T, Zhang P.Efficacy and safety of nicotinamide on phosphorus metabolism in hemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(41):e12731. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000012731Murray, Michael T.Diabetes mellitus types i and ii.Textbook of Natural Medicine. 2020:1262-1286.e5. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-43044-9.00165-5Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health.Niacin.El‐Khalawany M, Nouh AH, Kadah AS, Elsheikh M, Said M.Evaluation of safety and efficacy of topical 4% nicotinamide in treatment of psoriasis; among a representative sample of Egyptians (An analytical observational study).Dermatologic Therapy. 2022;35(9). doi:10.1111/dth.15734Huber R, Wong A.Nicotinamide: an update and review of safety & differences from niacin.Skin Therapy Lett. 2020;25(5):7-11.Khtab TA, Kamil YM, Jalil AQ.The effect of zinc and niacin powder addition on some physiological and production performance of turkey.IOP Conf Ser: Earth Environ Sci. 2023;1158(5):052022. doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1158/5/052022Savinova OV, Fillaus K, Harris WS, Shearer GC.Effects of niacin and omega-3 fatty acids on the apolipoproteins in overweight patients with elevated triglycerides and reduced HDL cholesterol.Atherosclerosis. 2015;240(2):520-525. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.04.793Borrego-Sánchez A, Sainz-Díaz CI, Perioli L, Viseras C.Theoretical Study of Retinol, Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid with Halloysite Clay Mineral as Active Ingredients for Topical Skin Care Formulations.Molecules. 2021;26(15):4392. doi:10.3390/molecules26154392Ratnarajah K, Zargham H, Jafarian F.Confusion among different forms of vitamin B3.J Cutan Med Surg. 2020;24(6):642-643. doi:10.1177/1203475420936649
Hrubša M, Siatka T, Nejmanová I, et al.Biological properties of vitamins of the B-complex, part 1: vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B5.Nutrients. 2022;14(3):484. doi:10.3390/nu14030484
National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.Niacinamide.
Walocko FM, Eber AE, Keri JE, et al.The role of nicotinamide in acne treatment.Dermatol Ther. 2017;30(5). doi:10.1111/dth.12481
Boo YC.Mechanistic basis and clinical evidence for the applications of nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to control skin aging and pigmentation.Antioxidants. 2021;10(8):1315.doi:10.3390/antiox10081315
Navarrete-Solís J, Castanedo-Cázares JP, Torres-Álvarez B, et al.A double-blind, randomized clinical trial of niacinamide 4% versus hydroquinone 4% in the treatment of melasma.Dermatol Res Pract.2011;2011:379173.
Chen AC, Martin AJ, Choy B, et al.A phase 3 randomized trial of nicotinamide for skin-cancer chemoprevention.N Engl J Med. 2015;373(17):1618-1626. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1506197
Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health.Niacin.
Maiese K.Nicotinamide as a foundation for treating neurodegenerative disease and metabolic disorders.Curr Neurovasc Res. 2021;18(1):134-149. doi:10.2174/1567202617999210104220334
National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.Nicotinic Acid Deficiency.
Zhang Y, Ma T, Zhang P.Efficacy and safety of nicotinamide on phosphorus metabolism in hemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(41):e12731. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000012731
Murray, Michael T.Diabetes mellitus types i and ii.Textbook of Natural Medicine. 2020:1262-1286.e5. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-43044-9.00165-5
El‐Khalawany M, Nouh AH, Kadah AS, Elsheikh M, Said M.Evaluation of safety and efficacy of topical 4% nicotinamide in treatment of psoriasis; among a representative sample of Egyptians (An analytical observational study).Dermatologic Therapy. 2022;35(9). doi:10.1111/dth.15734
Huber R, Wong A.Nicotinamide: an update and review of safety & differences from niacin.Skin Therapy Lett. 2020;25(5):7-11.
Khtab TA, Kamil YM, Jalil AQ.The effect of zinc and niacin powder addition on some physiological and production performance of turkey.IOP Conf Ser: Earth Environ Sci. 2023;1158(5):052022. doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1158/5/052022
Savinova OV, Fillaus K, Harris WS, Shearer GC.Effects of niacin and omega-3 fatty acids on the apolipoproteins in overweight patients with elevated triglycerides and reduced HDL cholesterol.Atherosclerosis. 2015;240(2):520-525. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.04.793
Borrego-Sánchez A, Sainz-Díaz CI, Perioli L, Viseras C.Theoretical Study of Retinol, Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid with Halloysite Clay Mineral as Active Ingredients for Topical Skin Care Formulations.Molecules. 2021;26(15):4392. doi:10.3390/molecules26154392
Ratnarajah K, Zargham H, Jafarian F.Confusion among different forms of vitamin B3.J Cutan Med Surg. 2020;24(6):642-643. doi:10.1177/1203475420936649
Prousky JE.The use of niacinamide and solanaceae (nightshade) elimination in the treatment of osteoarthritis.J Orthomol Med. 2015;30(1).
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