What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a water-soluble vitamin much like niacin but with a different chemical group attached. Although it can function as a vitamin in the body much like niacin, because of the additional group, niacinamide does not cause a niacin "flush" response, but it also does not reduce cholesterol or provide the benefits given by the flush response. It is sometimes referred to as "no-flush niacin", although it should not be confused with inositol hexaniacinate (IHN), which is also given this title.
Key Health Benefits of Niacinamide
Niacinamide is supplemented to prevent niacin deficiency without causing the flushing side effect of niacin supplementation. This form of vitamin B3 is easily converted in the body to NADH, a molecule involved in energy production in our cells. Thus, niacinamide can have the same metabolic, nervous system, and mental health benefits as regular niacin without causing discomfort with supplementation. This form of vitamin B3 has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory actions that may benefit those with inflammatory skin conditions.
Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Benefits
Niacinamide has been used topically to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as acne vulgaris and rosacea. Studies have shown that topical application of 4% niacinamide gel was more effective at treating acne vulgaris than antibiotic cream. It has also been shown to improve skin barrier function in rosacea sufferers, allowing them to become less sensitive to topical irritants such as soap and detergents. This vitamin is also currently being studied for its potential ability to increase skin hydration and help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. More research is required but preliminary results look promising.
Metabolism
Niacin and niacinamide are involved in a number of different metabolic processes in the body, and they even play a part in the production of stomach acid and bile for the initial digestion of food. Vitamin B3 affects blood sugar by acting as a component of glucose tolerance factor, one of the blood-sugar regulatory molecules in the body. In this way, it can act as a therapeutic agent for diabetes. It also helps with the digestion of fats, carbohydrates, and protein because niacinamide is converted to NADH in the body. NADH increases the rate of chemical reactions in the body and helps to repair damaged DNA.
Nervous System and Mental Health
Vitamin B3 is an important vitamin for the proper functioning of the nervous system, and has been well researched for its ability to improve the outcomes of mental illness, such as schizophrenia. It has also been used to help treat depression and anxiety.
Niacinamide Vs Niacin
Although both molecules are different versions of the same vitamin known as B3, niacinamide does not have the cholesterol-lowering or allergy inhibiting properties of niacin. These effects are the result of the conversion of niacin in the body, and do not occur when niacinamide is converted. Also, niacinamide has been shown to be toxic to the liver in much smaller doses than niacin or IHN. It has been shown to be liver toxic at doses as low as 3g per day.
Symptoms of Niacin Deficiency
Niacin deficiency is known as "pellagra", which often appears with symptoms of: diarrhea, dementia, dermatitis, and eventually results in death ("the 4 D's"). It can also cause swollen tongue, an enlarged heart, and extreme sensitivity to sunlight. Because it can act as niacin in the metabolic pathways of our bodies, supplementation of niacinamide can help protect against niacin deficiency.
Taking Niacinamide Supplements
In general, it is always a good idea to take B vitamins in a B complex, as they all work together in the body. Niacinamide can be found alone, and is sometimes referred to as "no-flush" or "flush-free" niacin. It can sometimes be found in B complex formulas as a non-flushing alternative for health benefits such as improved mental health and increased metabolism. It is useful for supplementation in individuals who cannot tolerate the flush response of regular niacin. The dosage recommendations for niacinamide vary widely depending on the application. Daily supplementation for general health is usually suggested at between 40 and 300mg of niacinamide per day. Doses of 3000mg (3g) or more per day have been associated with liver toxicity. Because of this, high dose oral supplementation of niacinamide is not recommended. Niacinamide can also be found in topical preparations for inflammatory skin conditions. The research in this area is new, but suggests that a 4% niacinamide gel applied topically has benefits for these conditions.
Important Information
The elderly and those with impaired digestion are particularly prone to deficiency of B vitamins in general, so it is often a good idea to supplement with a B complex in these individuals. Niacinamide does not have the same cardiovascular benefits as niacin. Use regular niacin instead for these conditions. Time-release forms of B3 may increase the risk of liver toxicity. Do not crush or break tablets. Caution should be used when supplementing niacinamide if you have a stomach ulcer, active bleeding, or liver or kidney disease. Vitamin B3 should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers as it may cause harm to the baby. Vitamin B3 can interact with: blood thinners, blood pressure, and heart medications, sleeping pills, estrogen, alcohol and sulfonamide antibiotics.
Niacin Toxicity
Immediate toxicity of niacinamide will be slightly different from niacin, as it does not have the same flushing properties. It can appear as nausea, dizziness, palpitations, high blood sugar, and vomiting. It is important to note that high doses of niacinamide have been associated with liver toxicity. Doses exceeding 500mg per day are not recommended.
