Niacinamide Overview
Niacinamide is one of the two sources of vitamin B3—the other is nicotinic acid. Vitamin B3 is known as niacin.
- Sources of Vitamin B3
- Niacinamide
- Nicotinic acid
- Both have vitamin B3 activity but differ in chemical structure and health effects.
Niacinamide Uses
Helpful for Skin Conditions
- Plays a vital role in keeping the skin healthy.
- Common additives in cosmetics and skincare products.
- Shows anti-inflammatory effects when applied topically or taken as a supplement.
- Used to treat skin disorders like acne and rosacea.
May Help Prevent Melanoma
- A severe form of skin cancer linked to UV light exposure.
- Niacinamide supplements improve DNA repair of UV-damaged skin.
May Help in Chronic Disease
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Niacinamide can help lower phosphate levels in people with renal dysfunction.
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Supports and retains pancreatic beta cells, potentially slowing the disease’s progression.
Side Effects of Niacinamide
Common Side Effects
- Stomach upset
- Gas
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Itching
Severe Side Effects
- Liver problems
- High blood sugar
- Occur with doses over 3 grams per day.
Topical Application
- Mild burning sensation
- Itching
- Redness
Warnings & Precautions
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Safe in prescribed amounts.
- Max dose: 30 mg/day for women under 18, 35 mg/day for women over 18.
Children
- Safe in prescribed amounts.
- Upper limits vary by age:
- 10 mg for 3 years
- 15 mg for 4-8 years
- 20 mg for 9-13 years
- 30 mg for 14-18 years
Allergies
- Can worsen allergic reactions by releasing histamine.
Diabetes
- Can increase blood sugar levels; monitor carefully.
Gallbladder Disease
- Can worsen conditions.
Gout
- Large doses can lead to gout.
Kidney Dialysis
- May lower blood platelet levels.
Liver Disease
- Can increase liver damage, avoid use.
Stomach or Intestinal Ulcers
- Can worsen ulcers, avoid use.
Surgery
- Can interfere with blood sugar regulation, stop use at least 2 weeks before surgery.
Dosage Guidelines
- Adults
- General: Recommended daily allowance (RDA) varies:
- 16 mg NE for males
- 14 mg NE for females
- 18 mg NE for pregnant women
- 17 mg NE for breastfeeding women
- Acne: Tablets containing niacinamide and other ingredients used once or twice daily.
- Pellagra: 300-500 mg per day.
- Diabetes: 1.2 grams/m2 or 25-50 mg/kg daily.
- Hyperphosphatemia: 500 mg to 1.75 grams daily.
- Larynx Cancer: 60 mg/kg before inhalation of carbohydrate.
- Skin Cancers: 500 mg once or twice daily.
- Osteoarthritis: 3 grams daily for 12 weeks.
- General: Recommended daily allowance (RDA) varies:
- Children
- General: RDA varies by age.
- Acne: Tablets containing niacinamide and other ingredients used in children 12 years or older.
- Pellagra: 100-300 mg daily.
- Type 1 Diabetes: 1.2 grams/m2 or 25-50 mg/kg daily.
Niacinamide Serum
- Commonly found in serums and moisturizers.
- Strengthens skin barrier and enhances texture.
- Reduces pore size and balances oil output.
Storage
- Storage Instructions
- Keep at room temperature (68ºF – 77ºF / 20ºC – 25ºC).
- Protect from heat, air, and light.
- Keep out of children’s reach.
Note
- Consult your doctor before using niacinamide.
- Seek immediate medical help if you face any side effects.
- Carry medications while traveling to avoid emergencies.
- Follow prescription and doctor’s advice for niacinamide use.
Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic acid
| Niacinamide | Hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Increases its durability and enhances the texture by making the pores appear smaller | Makes skin healthy and supple |
| Can use twice a day | Should use in the morning for better results |
| Makes skin look good and healthy | Can cause dryness in the skin |
| Makes pores appear smaller | Doesn’t clog pores |
Book Doctor Appointment
