Nicotinamide (niacinamide) is the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin) — an essential water-soluble vitamin found in foods like meat, fish, nuts, and grains.
Unlike niacin (nicotinic acid), nicotinamide does not cause flushing and has different pharmacological properties.
Nicotinamide is a direct precursor for NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a molecule required for energy metabolism in all cells.
NAD⁺ fuels mitochondrial ATP production, DNA repair, and antioxidant defense.
Clinical relevance: helps maintain healthy cellular energy and resilience — particularly in tissues with high turnover (skin, brain, immune cells).
Source: Imai S, Guarente L. Cell Metab. 2014;19(4):570-82.
Oral nicotinamide 500 mg twice daily has been shown in human trials to reduce rates of new non-melanoma skin Condition (basal and squamous cell carcinoma) in high-risk individuals.
Study: Chen AC et al., New England Journal of Medicine 2015 — 386 participants, 12 months.
23% reduction in new skin "c" vs placebo.
Safe and well tolerated.
Mechanism: enhances DNA repair after UV damage and improves skin barrier/immune surveillance.
Nicotinamide supports NAD⁺-dependent neuronal repair and mitochondrial protection.
Animal and early human data suggest benefit in neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, glaucoma, peripheral neuropathy).
Clinical pilot trials show improved cognitive resilience and reduced neuroinflammation markers, though larger RCTs are ongoing.
Sources:
Kaneko S. Front Aging Neurosci. 2021.
Green KN et al. J Neurosci. 2008.
Nicotinamide has mild anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitising effects.
At 500–1000 mg/day, studies show modest improvements in glycaemic control, lipid profile, and systemic inflammation (via PARP/NF-κB inhibition).
Sources: Bedoya FJ et al. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 1996; Revollo JR et al. Mol Cell Biol 2004.
Enhances skin barrier function, increases ceramide production, reduces redness and hyperpigmentation, and supports even tone.
Oral use supports overall skin health and hydration, complementing topical niacinamide serums.
Sources: Bissett DL et al. Dermatol Surg 2005; Draelos ZD et al. Cutis 2013.
Classic role: prevents or corrects vitamin B3 deficiency (pellagra), which causes dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.
500 mg/day more than covers daily requirement (RDA ≈ 14–16 mg), used therapeutically not nutritionally.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical supplemental dose | 100–500 mg/day (divided doses for high levels) |
| Upper safe limit (UL) | ~900 mg/day (UK EFSA); 1000 mg/day (US NIH) |
| Toxicity threshold | >3 g/day may cause nausea, liver enzyme elevations, or GI upset |
| Common side effects | Rare; high doses may cause mild nausea or fatigue in sensitive users |
| Drug interactions | Generally low risk; caution with hepatotoxic drugs or in liver disease |
| Goal | How it helps | Evidence strength |
|---|---|---|
| Cellular energy / NAD⁺ support | Direct NAD⁺ precursor | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Skin health & DNA repair | Reduces UV damage, supports barrier | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Anti-inflammatory & antioxidant support | Inhibits PARP/NF-κB | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cognitive / neuroprotective support | NAD⁺/Sirtuin activation | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Metabolic support | Improves insulin sensitivity, reduces oxidative stress | ⭐⭐ |
| Hair & follicle vitality | Supports keratinocyte energy metabolism | ⭐⭐ (emerging) |