Niacinamide (Nicotinamide)
Also known as: nicotinamide, niacinamide, nicotinic acid amide, vitamin B3 amide, no-flush niacin
Niacinamide is the amide form of vitamin B3 and the niacin source used in most multivitamins because it delivers full NAD-precursor activity without the skin flush of nicotinic acid. It is almost completely absorbed and, unlike nicotinic acid, has no effect on blood lipids. It is popular in skin formulas, on the strength of a 12-month phase 3 trial using 500 mg twice daily, and in general B-complex products. NIH ODS states the 35 mg supplemental UL applies to both niacin forms.
Research summary
Direct precursor of NAD+ via the salvage pathway (NAMPT); supports cellular energy metabolism and DNA repair enzymes such as PARP.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 mg | 16–35 mg | 35 mg | 35 mg |
NIH ODS — UL of 35 mg/day for adults 19+ applies to both forms of supplemental niacin, including nicotinamide; does not apply under medical supervision
RDA is 16 mg NE for men, 14 mg NE for women; DV 16 mg NE. NIH ODS explains the UL was set from nicotinic acid flushing and extended to nicotinamide as a precaution, even though nicotinamide does not flush. dose_max_studied is capped at the UL for validation; a phase 3 trial used 500 mg twice daily for 12 months, hemodialysis studies used 500 to 1,500 mg/day, and ODS notes nausea and liver signs at about 3,000 mg/day. No timing constraints; water-soluble and neutral tasting.
Standardization: ≥99% nicotinamide (USP)
Source material: synthetic
Forms of Niacin (Vitamin B3)
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niacinamide (Nicotinamide) | 16–35 mg | — | Capsule, Tablet, Powder, Gummy, Liquid | low |
| Niacin (Nicotinic Acid) | 16–35 mg | — | Capsule, Tablet, Powder, Liquid | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
No flush and mild taste, so it is the B3 of choice for gummies, chewables, and liquids.
Formulation notes
Standard B-complex component. Very high intakes may affect liver enzymes; keep supplement doses modest and flag medical-supervision amounts.
- Has an upper limit
Sources
Related ingredients
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VitaminRiboflavin is the yellow, water-soluble B vitamin that the body builds into the flavin coenzymes FMN and FAD, which drive energy production and the recycling of other vitamins including B6, folate, and niacin.
Typical: 1.3–400 mg
Pantothenic Acid (Calcium Pantothenate)
VitaminCalcium pantothenate is the stable calcium salt used to deliver pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), the building block of coenzyme A and therefore of fat, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism.
Typical: 10–500 mg
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
VitaminAscorbic acid is the reference form of vitamin C and the most common form in supplements; NIH ODS notes its bioavailability equals that of vitamin C naturally present in food.
Typical: 250–1,000 mg
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
VitaminCyanocobalamin is the synthetic, highly stable form of vitamin B12 used in most supplements and fortified foods.
Typical: 100–1,000 mcg
Zinc Gluconate
MineralThe most common zinc salt in multivitamins, lozenges, and immune products, containing about 14.3% elemental zinc.
Typical: 10–25 mg