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Niacin (B3)

Also called: Vitamin B3, nicotinic acid, niacinamide, nicotinamide

Needed to make NAD, a molecule every cell uses for energy and repair. It comes in two main forms that act very differently: niacin can cause flushing and affects cholesterol, while niacinamide does neither.

Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.

Studied for

  • Energy metabolism
  • Skin health (niacinamide)
  • Cholesterol, only under a prescriber's care (niacin)
  • General B-complex support

Found naturally in

  • Chicken and turkey
  • Tuna and salmon
  • Peanuts
  • Mushrooms
  • The body also makes some from tryptophan in protein foods
What variations of niacin exist?Our top pick, what to skip, and how to read the label

Label red flags

  • 'Niacin' on the label without saying whether it is nicotinic acid or niacinamide
  • Sustained-release, time-release, or slow-release niacin
  • 'Flush-free' or 'no-flush' niacin sold for cholesterol

Check with a provider

  • Liver disease, heavy alcohol use, or signs of liver strain such as nausea, dark urine, or yellow skin or eyes. Stop and get checked.
  • Taking a statin or other cholesterol medicine. Adding high-dose niacin can raise the risk of muscle and liver problems.
  • Diabetes or prediabetes, since high-dose niacin can raise blood sugar
  • Gout or a stomach ulcer, which high-dose niacin can make worse
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding. The amount in a prenatal is fine. Avoid high-dose niacin.

Supplements that contain it

3 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary list niacin (b3) on the label.

Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.

Parts of the body it affects

Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.

Cross-section of skin showing the epidermis, dermis and fat layer, with hair follicles, sweat and oil glands, nerves, and blood vessels

Skin

Your skin is your largest organ and a major immune barrier. Rashes, patches, and color changes are often the first visible signs of an autoimmune condition.

Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0

Dr. Lesher, ND

Ready to find the root cause?

Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.

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