Niacinamide: Not just another B vitamin

Niacinamide (also referred to as nicotinamide) is one of two forms of vitamin B₃.The other is niacin, also called nicotinic acid. While either niacinamide or niacin can be used to prevent or reverse most of the manifestations of vitamin B₃ deficiency, there are differences between these compounds. Unlike niacin, niacinamide has no supportive effect on lipid metabolism, does not cause a skin flush, and does not negatively impact serum uric acid levels. In addition, niacinamide appears to put less stress on the liver than niacin and does not seem to have an adverse effect on blood glucose.*

As a component of the ubiquitous coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), niacinamide is directly involved in all vital metabolic pathways, including the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s main storage form of energy. One animal study revealed that niacinamide plays a role in the metabolism of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to influence both mood and appetite.¹*

Niacinamide also exerts a positive influence on joint function, although the mechanism of action is not known. In a double-blind study of men, administration of niacinamide (500 mg six times per day for 12 weeks) significantly increased joint range of motion and significantly decreased the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, suggesting support for healthy inflammatory balance.²*

Niacinamide has been reported to protect pancreatic beta-cell health, more specifically; it appears to preserve beta-cell function in some individuals.³ Interestingly, niacinamide is believed to work by promoting NAD levels in pancreatic beta cells.⁴ It has also been reported to support healthy pancreatic function and insulin metabolism.⁵ Thus, niacinamide may help maintain healthy blood glucose through two separate mechanisms.*

Niacinamide has the potential to make a clear impact on a plethora of health outcomes. Current literature has indicated the B vitamin supports brain, pancreatic and joint health. However, as niacinamide is the essential component of NAD — the coenzyme found in all living cells and a vital redox agent in human metabolism — researchers have only begun to unveil the vitamin’s full potential.*

References

1. Mohler H, Polc P, Cumin R, et al. Nicotinamide is a brain constituent with benzodiazepine-like actions. Nature 1979;278:563-565.
2. Jonas WB, Rapoza CP, Blair WF. The effect of niacinamide on osteoarthritis: a pilot study. Inflamm Res 1996;45:330-334.
3. Mandrup-Poulsen T, Reimers JI, Andersen HU, Pociot F, Karlsen AE, et al. Nicotinamide treatment in the prevention of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Metab Rev 1993;9:295-309.
4. Vague P, Vialettes B, Lassmann-Vague V, Vallo JJ. Nicotinamide may extend remission phase in insulin-dependent diabetes. Lancet 1987;1:619-620.
5. Polo V, Saibene A, Pontiroli AE. Nicotinamide improves insulin secretion and metabolic control in lean type 2 diabetic patients with secondary failure to sulphonylureas. Acta Diabetol 1998;35:61-64.