Vitamin
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Also known as: Nicotinic acid, Niacinamide, Nicotinamide, B3
Niacinamide is an essential B vitamin and form of vitamin B3 that supports energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular function. It is well-established as an effective supplement for preventing deficiency and has demonstrated benefits for skin health and niacin flush-free supplementation.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Vitamin B3 (Niacin) product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator | 91 A | $0.60 |
| 2 | Doctor's Best NMN + CoQ10, 150 mg, 60 Veggie Caps | 89 A | $1.07 |
| 3 | Thorne Advanced Nutrients | 88 A | $2.40 |
| 4 | Thorne SynaQuell +™ | 88 A | $1.47 |
| 5 | Pure Encapsulations NR Longevity | 87 A | $2.17 |
| 6 | ProHealth Longevity NMN Pro 1000™ | 86 A- | $2.17 |
| 7 | Thorne MediClear-SGS™ - Vanilla | 86 A- | $2.10 |
| 8 | Transparent Labs NMN Supplement for NAD+ & Cellular Energy | 86 A- | $1.33 |
| 9 | ProHealth Longevity NMN Pro™ Powder - Uthever NMN, 15 Grams | 86 A- | $0.74 |
| 10 | Pure Encapsulations Mitochondria-ATP | 86 A- | $1.37 |
| 11 | Nutricost NMN | 86 A- | $0.44 |
| 12 | ProHealth Longevity NMN Pro™ Powder | 85 A- | $0.74 |
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 Vitamin B3 (Niacin) should I take?
The typical range is 14-16 mg daily (RDA); 500-2000 mg daily for supplementation. Safe for long-term daily use at RDA levels; extended use above 35 mg daily requires medical supervision
When should I take Vitamin B3 (Niacin)?
With meals to reduce GI side effects and flushing. Strongly recommended, especially for niacin form, to minimize flushing and nausea.
Which form of Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is best?
Niacin (nicotinic acid). Other forms in the catalog: Niacinamide (nicotinamide), Nicotinamide riboside (NR), Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), Niacinamide powder, Niacinamide capsules, Niacinamide tablets, Nicotinamide riboside (NR, a precursor form).
Is Vitamin B3 (Niacin) safe?
Commonly reported: Niacin flush (flushed skin, tingling, heat sensation) — transient and harmless with niacin but not niacinamide, Mild GI upset (nausea, heartburn), Headache.
Which Vitamin B3 (Niacin) supplement scores highest?
Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator, at 91/100. 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 mgVitamin B3 (Niacin) has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) dosage reference →Primary uses
- Energy metabolism support
- Cardiovascular health
- DNA repair and cellular function
- Niacin deficiency prevention
- Lipid management (at higher doses)
- NAD+ production
- Skin health and appearance
- DNA repair and cellular integrity
- Cognitive function support
- Deficiency prevention
How it works
- Precursor for NAD+ and NADP+ cofactors essential for oxidative metabolism
- Supports mitochondrial energy production
- Participates in DNA repair mechanisms
- Modulates lipid synthesis and cholesterol metabolism at pharmacological doses
Dosage
- Typical range
- 14-16 mg daily (RDA); 500-2000 mg daily for supplementation
- Timing
- With meals to reduce GI side effects and flushing
- With food
- Strongly recommended, especially for niacin form, to minimize flushing and nausea
- Duration
- Safe for long-term daily use at RDA levels; extended use above 35 mg daily requires medical supervision
- Special populations
- Pregnant/lactating women: 18 mg daily; children: 2-16 mg daily (age-dependent); hepatic impairment: use with caution
Forms
- Niacin (nicotinic acid)· 70/100
- Niacinamide (nicotinamide)· 70/100
- Nicotinamide riboside (NR)· 70/100
- Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)· 70/100
- Niacinamide powder· 70/100
- Niacinamide capsules· 70/100
- Niacinamide tablets· 70/100
- Nicotinamide riboside (NR, a precursor form)· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Niacin flush (flushed skin, tingling, heat sensation) — transient and harmless with niacin but not niacinamide
- Mild GI upset (nausea, heartburn)
- Headache
Contraindications
- Active peptic ulcer disease
- Severe liver disease
- Gout or hyperuricemia (niacin can elevate uric acid)
- Hypersensitivity to niacin or niacinamide
Products containing Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Vitamin B3 (Niacin) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Vitamin B3 is one of the most well-researched vitamins with extensive RCT evidence for deficiency prevention, energy support, and cardiovascular effects. Strong evidence exists for pharmacological niacin use in lipid management; supplemental doses for general health have robust mechanistic and observational support.
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
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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.