Niacinamide (B3)

500mg

Precursor to NAD+ - the coenzyme involved in over 500 enzyme reactions and all energy metabolism pathways. NAD+ declines markedly with age. Niacinamide (not niacin) has no flushing effect. Also required for DNA repair via PARP enzyme activation.

Category Micronutrients
Dose 500mg
Form Niacinamide - non-flushing form
Evidence Level Strong - EFSA approved health claims

Mechanism

Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) - the most central coenzyme in cellular metabolism, participating in over 500 enzyme reactions including all three energy metabolism pathways: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. NAD+ also functions as a substrate for sirtuins (longevity-associated protein deacetylases) and PARP enzymes (DNA damage repair).

NAD+ is the central coenzyme in energy metabolism and is the subject of extensive research across mitochondrial and cellular biology. Niacinamide is chosen over nicotinic acid (niacin) specifically because it does not activate the GPR109A receptor that causes the intense skin flushing reaction - making it well-tolerated for daily use.

Key Benefits

  • Precursor to NAD+ - the central coenzyme in energy metabolism
  • Required for PARP-mediated DNA damage repair
  • Vitamin B3 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism (GB NHC-authorised)
  • Vitamin B3 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue (GB NHC-authorised)
  • Non-flushing: niacinamide vs niacin

The Research

Peer-reviewed human trials supporting this ingredient at this dose.

Mehmel M, et al. (2020). Nutrients. 12(6):1616.Nicotinamide riboside — the current state of research and therapeutic uses.PubMed →
Massudi H, et al. (2012). PLoS One. 7(7):e42357.Age-associated changes in oxidative stress and NAD+ metabolism in human tissue.PubMed →
Kolotyeva NA, et al. (2024). Biomolecules. 14(12):1556.Pathobiochemistry of aging and neurodegeneration: deregulation of NAD+ metabolism in brain cells.PubMed →
In the formula

Niacinamide (B3)

500mg

Niacinamide - non-flushing form

When to take it

Any time of day. Niacinamide does not cause the prostaglandin-mediated flushing associated with nicotinic acid (niacin). Can be taken at any time without GI sensitivity concerns.