Niacinamide Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, and is often called niacin—another form of vitamin B3. The difference between niacin and niacinamide is their composition. Niacinamide is the form of vitamin B3 that combines with other amino acids in the body. Being derived from niacin, niacinamide is the amide (acid) portion of niacin.¹

Another way that niacin and niacinamide differ is in their effect on the body. Niacin causes a “flush”—when blood vessels near the skin dilate, causing burning or tingling around the face and neck. However, niacinamide doesn’t cause this flush.¹

The body doesn’t naturally produce niacinamide, and instead it needs to be absorbed through food sources or supplementation. Niacinamide supplements are recommended for people who have a vitamin B3 deficiency—a condition called pellagra.^1,2

Niacinamide Health Uses and Health Benefits

Vitamin B3 is an essential vitamin, and niacinamide supplements can help support vitamin B3 intake. Niacinamide is important for human health because, like B vitamins, it helps the body convert food into energy. Vitamin B3 and other B vitamins are responsible for proper body functions like skin, eyes, liver, and the nervous system. Niacinamide also helps produce stress and sex hormones.^1,2

Additionally, niacinamide can help to maintain proper cognitive function. A vitamin B3, or niacinamide deficiency, can lead to chronic symptoms like scaly skin, diarrhea and dementia.²

Other niacinamide health benefits include:

• Reducing anxiety by improving serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters—responsible for happiness and pleasure sensations
• Reducing inflammation caused by arthritis
• Managing type 1 diabetes

References

1. https://articles.mercola.com/vitamins-supplements/niacinamide.aspx
2. https://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-b3-niacin