Niacinamide is one of the two sources of vitamin B3 and the other one is nicotinic acid. Vitamin B3 is known as niacin. It supports skin health, improves energy metabolism, and helps manage certain chronic conditions.

Sources of Vitamin B3

  • Niacinamide
  • Nicotinic acid
  • Both have vitamin B3 activity but differ in chemical structure and health effects.

What Are the Uses of Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is widely used in skincare and health supplements for its anti-inflammatory, protective, and metabolic properties. The benefits of Niacinamide extend beyond skincare, also supporting overall health in various chronic conditions.

Conditions Niacinamide Helps Treat

Niacinamide Benefits 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.

Secondary Benefits of Niacinamide

  • Added in moisturizers, serums, and cosmetics to improve skin texture, minimize pores, and balance oil production.
  • Sometimes used as an adjunct in laryngeal cancer therapy.

How Does Niacinamide Work in the Body (Mechanism of Action)?

It works by converting into coenzymes NAD+ and NADP+, essential for energy production, DNA repair, and cellular communication.

  • Helps repair skin damage caused by UV rays.
  • Reduces inflammation by calming the immune response.
  • Supports metabolic and insulin-regulating processes.

Niacinamide Dosage Guidelines

Dosage depends on the condition being treated and should always follow medical advice.

  • 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.
  • 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.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose or Take Too Much Niacinamide?

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Skip it if it's almost time for your next dose. Never double up.

In case of overdose, seek medical help.

Signs of overdose may include:

  • Stomach upset
  • Severe itching or rash
  • Liver damage
  • High blood sugar

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

What Are the Side Effects of Niacinamide?

While niacinamide is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild to serious reactions, especially at high doses.

Common Side Effects of Niacinamide

Severe Side Effects of Niacinamide

  • Liver problems
  • High blood sugar
  • Occur with doses over 3 grams per day.

Topical Application Side Effects of Niacinamide

  • Mild burning sensation
  • Itching
  • Redness

Precautions and Warnings Before Using Niacinamide

Certain individuals should take extra precautions or avoid niacinamide due to its effect on specific health conditions.

Who Should Be Careful or Avoid It:

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.

Niacinamide Serum

  • Commonly found in serums and moisturizers.
  • Strengthens skin barrier and enhances texture.
  • Reduces pore size and balances oil output.

Drug Interactions: What Should You Avoid While Taking Niacinamide?

Niacinamide can interact with certain medications or supplements, potentially changing how they work or increasing side effects.

  • May enhance the effects of diabetes medication
  • Can interact with anticonvulsants or cholesterol-lowering drugs
  • Caution with herbs/supplements affecting blood clotting or liver function

Always inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you're using.

How to Store Niacinamide Properly?

Proper storage keeps the medicine effective and safe for longer use.

  • Keep at room temperature (68ºF - 77ºF / 20ºC - 25ºC).
  • Protect from heat, air, and light.
  • Keep out of children's reach.
  • Do not use expired medicine

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

References

Review of environmental effects of oxybenzone and other sunscreen active ingredients
Niacinamide: MedlinePlus Supplements
Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology - PubMed
Book Doctor Appointment
Book Free Appointment

Still have questions? Speak with our experts now!

040-68334455

Frequently Asked Questions

In clinical trials, niacinamide significantly reduced hyperpigmentation and improved skin lightness relative to the vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use. The research indicates that niacinamide is an effective skin lightening agent that works by inhibiting the transition of melanocytes from melanocytes to keratinocytes.

Niacinamide can be used by someone else. The ingredient is also appropriate for those with sensitive skin Niacinamide is "typically well tolerated and causes minimal skin irritation.

Niacinamide 500mg is commonly used to support skin health, reduce inflammation, improve joint function, and manage conditions like acne, arthritis, and vitamin B3 deficiency. It also helps in maintaining brain and liver health.

Research tells us that it is well tolerated by most people, niacinamide can be used twice daily. It works at any time of the year but it is especially useful in winter during cold, dry weather and heavy use of central heating.

Yes, niacinamide works well with most skincare ingredients. It is safe to use with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), retinol, hyaluronic acid, and Zinc. Apply products in layers, starting from the thinnest to thickest.

Yes, niacinamide is gentle and soothing, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It helps reduce redness, calm irritation, and strengthen the skin barrier.

Yes, niacinamide helps fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation by slowing melanin production and improving overall skin tone with regular use.

Niacinamide is a soothing vitamin B3 that improves skin texture and tone, while retinol (vitamin A) boosts cell turnover and targets wrinkles and acne.

Niacinamide can be taken at any time, but it's best to take it with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset. If taken as a supplement, follow your doctor’s advice.


Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.

Book Appointment Second Opinion WhatsApp Health Packages Find Doctors

Feeling unwell?

Request a callback!