Vitamin
Niacin (as Nicotinamide)
Also known as: Vitamin B3, Nicotinamide, Nicotinic Acid, NAD+ Precursor
An essential B vitamin that serves as a coenzyme precursor for NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), critical for energy metabolism and cellular repair. Supports cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and DNA stability.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Niacin (as Nicotinamide) 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 (as Nicotinamide) should I take?
The typical range is 14–16 mg daily (RDA); up to 35 mg daily (safe upper limit). Safe for long-term daily use
When should I take Niacin (as Nicotinamide)?
With meals to reduce flushing. Recommended to minimize GI upset.
Which form of Niacin (as Nicotinamide) is best?
Nicotinamide. Other forms in the catalog: Nicotinic acid, Niacinamide.
Is Niacin (as Nicotinamide) safe?
Commonly reported: Flushing (with nicotinic acid form, not nicotinamide), Nausea, GI upset at high doses.
Which Niacin (as Nicotinamide) 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 (as Nicotinamide) has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:
Niacin (as Nicotinamide) dosage reference →Primary uses
- Energy metabolism
- NAD+ synthesis
- Cardiovascular health
- DNA repair support
How it works
- NAD+ coenzyme production
- Energy metabolism (glycolysis, citric acid cycle)
- DNA repair and stress response
- Sirtuin activation support
Dosage
- Typical range
- 14–16 mg daily (RDA); up to 35 mg daily (safe upper limit)
- Timing
- With meals to reduce flushing
- With food
- Recommended to minimize GI upset
- Duration
- Safe for long-term daily use
- Special populations
- Nicotinic acid form may cause flushing; nicotinamide does not; use caution in gout or liver disease
Forms
- Nicotinamide· 70/100
- Nicotinic acid· 70/100
- Niacinamide· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Flushing (with nicotinic acid form, not nicotinamide)
- Nausea
- GI upset at high doses
Contraindications
- Gout
- Severe liver disease
- Peptic ulcer disease
Products containing Niacin (as Nicotinamide)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Niacin (as Nicotinamide) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Strong RCT evidence for cardiovascular effects; well-established metabolic role. RDA = 14–16 mg daily.
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Related in Vitamin
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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.