Heart Health
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Also known as: Nicotinic acid, Vitamin B3 (lipid), Niacin, Vitamin B3
Niacinamide is a water-soluble B vitamin essential for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular signaling. It supports mental clarity and sustained energy production without the flushing effect associated with nicotinic acid.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Niacin (Vitamin B3) product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne Craving and Stress Support | 93 A | $1.33 |
| 2 | Pure Encapsulations Niacitol 500 mg | 93 A | $0.48 |
| 3 | Pure Encapsulations Niacitol 650 mg | 93 A | $0.43 |
| 4 | Natural Factors No Flush Niacin 500 mg | 93 A | $0.26 |
| 5 | Thorne Niacinamide | 92 A | $0.14 |
| 6 | NOW Foods Niacinamide | 92 A | $0.08 |
| 7 | NOW Foods Niacin | 92 A | $0.06 |
| 8 | Pure Encapsulations B-Complex liquid | 91 A | $1.34 |
| 9 | Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator | 91 A | $0.60 |
| 10 | Natural Factors Niacin 100 mg | 91 A | $0.12 |
| 11 | Pure Encapsulations Niacinamide | 90 A | $0.47 |
| 12 | Nature Made B-Complex with C Caplets | 90 A | $0.11 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Niacin (Vitamin B3) should I take?
The typical range is 500-2000mg daily (titrate up slowly). Ongoing, monitor liver
When should I take Niacin (Vitamin B3)?
With food, evening. Yes (reduces flushing).
Which form of Niacin (Vitamin B3) is best?
Immediate release — More flushing, safer for liver. Other forms in the catalog: Extended release, No-flush (inositol hexanicotinate), niacinamide, nicotinamide.
Is Niacin (Vitamin B3) safe?
Commonly reported: Flushing (common), GI upset, Itching, Glucose elevation. Serious warnings: Liver damage (esp. extended release), Glucose intolerance. Monitor liver function
Which Niacin (Vitamin B3) supplement scores highest?
Thorne Craving and Stress Support, at 93/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Daily target & upper limit
16 mg / day · UL 35 mgNiacin (Vitamin B3) has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:
Niacin (Vitamin B3) dosage reference →Primary uses
- HDL increase
- Triglycerides
- LDL reduction
- Lp(a)
- energy production
- mental clarity
- NAD+ synthesis
- cognitive function
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Niacin (Vitamin B3) reached a verdict on: 4 with a benefit, 2 with harm reported, 1 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (4)
“Complete symptom resolution occurred on average within 27.42 days of vitamin B3 supplementation.” PMID 41876960
“Niacin supplements ranked best in triglyceride reductions and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with low to very low evidence certainty (SUCRAs:93.7% and 94.6%, respectively).” PMID 36638933
“was associated with a lower risk of progression of early to late AMD (high certainty of evidence).” PMID 35695158
“A study reported the significant effect of niacin (vitamin B3) 1500 mg daily for 12 weeks on erectile function (p=0.004).” PMID 33779240
Harm reported (2)
“Oral niacin and NAM were associated with a range of AEs including GI upset, liver dysfunction, flushing/vasodilatory effects, skin rash and fatigue.” PMID 40999226
“an increased risk was seen with niacin (with statin) for all-cause mortality.” PMID 33509399 · 2 reviews
Not enough to say: healthspan-related functional outcomes.
1 finding from reviews in specific patient groups (such as cancer, pregnancy or surgery) is not shown here.
How it works
- Increases HDL
- Lowers triglycerides and LDL
- May reduce Lp(a)
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500-2000mg daily (titrate up slowly)
- Timing
- With food, evening
- With food
- Yes (reduces flushing)
- Duration
- Ongoing, monitor liver
- Special populations
- Low HDL, high triglycerides, Lp(a)
Forms
- Immediate release
- Extended release
- No-flush (inositol hexanicotinate)
- niacinamide· 70/100
- nicotinamide· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Flushing (common)
- GI upset
- Itching
- Glucose elevation
Contraindications
- Active liver disease
- Peptic ulcer
- Gout (relative)
Products containing Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Niacin (Vitamin B3) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Effective for lipids, causes flushing
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Related in Heart Health
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.