Niacinamide, a Type of Vitamin B3: Benefits, Side Effects, and How to Use It

Key Takeaways: 

• Niacinamide is one of two forms of vitamin B3, alongside nicotinic acid (niacin).

• Some research shows that taking niacinamide may lead to a slight reduction in body mass index (BMI), decrease pain associated with osteoarthritis, and improve skin health.

• Niacinamide is considered safe at low and moderate doses, but check with a healthcare provider before trying it yourself.
  

Emerging research shows that niacinamide, a type of vitamin B3, may have numerous potential benefits, including better skin health, a slight reduction in body mass index (BMI), and decreased osteoarthritis pain. 

Read on to learn about niacinamide, including its possible benefits, side effects, and how to take it.

Vitamin B3 — also known as niacin — is a water-soluble B vitamin. There are several forms of niacin, including nicotinic acid and niacinamide, which is also known as nicotinamide.

You can find niacinamide in foods and drinks, such as:

• Nuts

• Grains

• Meat

• Fish

• Coffee

• Tea  

• Legumes

• Green leafy vegetables

You can also find niacinamide as an oral supplement and in skin care products. Recent research shows that niacinamide supplementation may repair DNA, support cellular energy, and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. 

Niacinamide may be particularly useful for skin concerns, including: 

• Acne 

• Rosacea

• Aging 

• Dermatitis 

Niacinamide deficiency may cause pellagra, a disease that can lead to diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia.

Niacinamide B3 benefits may include better skin health, a lower risk of skin cancer, a reduced BMI, and decreased osteoarthritis pain.

Here’s more on the benefits. 

Skin Aging 

With age comes wrinkles, roughness, and discoloration in your skin. Topical niacinamide may reverse these signs of aging. 

Clinical studies show topical niacinamide may improve: 

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Roughness 

• Red blotchiness   

• Firmness

• Elasticity 

• Dark spots (hyperpigmentation)

You can find niacinamide in serums, moisturisers, and masks, and it’s often marketed as an anti-aging or brightening treatment. 

Acne

Niacinamide may reduce skin inflammation and oil (sebum) production, which may help to treat acne. 

You can find niacinamide alone in topical acne treatments or combined with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide. Oral niacinamide might also help to reduce acne. 

Skin Cancer

Niacinamide may have preventive properties against non-melanoma skin cancer, especially for those with the highest risk.

Research shows oral niacinamide supplementation may lead to a reduced chance of precancerous skin lesions and basal and squamous cell carcinomas.

Reduced BMI

Niacinamide might promote a reduced BMI, but research is limited.

A 2023 systematic review looked at whether nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursor supplementation affected weight. NAD+ precursors include nicotinic acid and niacinamide.

The research found that NAD+ precursor supplementation was associated with a small reduction in BMI and an increase in adiponectin, a hormone that plays a role in insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism.

There wasn’t a significant change in weight, however.

Chronic Kidney Disease 

Chronic kidney disease is when your kidneys progressively lose function. This can cause high levels of phosphorus to build up in your blood (hyperphosphatemia). 

Niacinamide may reduce phosphorus levels in people getting hemodialysis treatment, a treatment for kidney failure.

Osteoarthritis 

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis. It causes joint pain and loss of function. 

Lower niacin intake has been linked to a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis. 

Niacinamide side effects can include: 

• Nausea

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhea

Taking the supplement with food may reduce upset stomach side effects like nausea and diarrhea. 

Overall, niacinamide is generally considered safe when used according to label instructions. It’s usually well-tolerated, even in doses of 1.5 grams a day. There’s a risk of liver toxicity with this higher dose, however.

Unlike nicotinic acid, niacinamide doesn’t seem to cause skin flushing (tingling, burning, and redness).

Check with a primary health provider or dermatologist before taking niacinamide to make sure it’s safe for you, especially if you have a health condition, are taking medications, or you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

How you take niacinamide depends on which form of the supplement you’re taking. For example, you might take an oral supplement for acne or use a topical skin care product for wrinkles.

A healthcare professional can help you find the best form of niacinamide for you, including the best dose and how to take it.  

Niacinamide is one form of vitamin B3, and it may be a useful supplement for several health conditions. But it depends on what you’re looking to treat. 

It may improve signs of aging, treat acne, and reduce the risk of skin cancer, especially in those who are at high risk. 

It could potentially reduce osteoarthritis-related pain, and benefit those with chronic kidney disease.  

But there’s not enough evidence to suggest that niacinamide helps with weight loss. Some research shows it’s linked to a small reduction in BMI, but it doesn’t make that much of a difference. 

If you’re looking for weight loss treatments that actually help you lose weight and improve your health, take our free online weight loss assessment to learn more.  

What is vitamin B3 niacinamide good for? 

Niacinamide may help relieve skin conditions like rosacea and acne, and might slow the appearance of skin aging. Some research also suggests that it may reduce the risk of skin cancer in those at high risk.

Who should not use niacinamide? 

Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated and considered safe. But you should consult with a healthcare provider if you have a medical condition and are considering niacinamide supplements. They can make sure the dietary supplement is safe for you. 

Does niacinamide help with wrinkles?

Niacinamide may help with wrinkles. Research shows topical niacinamide may reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin firmness and elasticity.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards.