Sources of Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a form of niacin (B3). This vitamin helps the body use the fuel within food. It is often prescribed as an oral supplement to treat niacin deficiency, which can occur due to poor diet, diseases such as Hartnup disease and carcinoid tumors. Niacinamide is naturally present in a variety of foods. It is also an ingredient in topical creams and cosmetics.

Niacinamide

• Niacinamide is created when niacin attaches to a molecule called an amide molecule. Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin B supplement. When applied topically, it reduces inflammation and is useful for treating aging skin, acne and rosacea. The National Cancer Institute indicates that niacinamide increases blood flow to tumors, which is helpful for chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Animal Products

• Animal products contain the highest levels of niacinamide. Some of the best sources are lean meats, lamb chops and organ meats such as sheep and beef liver. Chicken, turkey, pork and rabbit also contain niacinamide. Fish such as tuna and halibut are also good sources, as are eggs and dairy products such as milk and cheese.

Vegetables

• Many vegetables are good sources of niacinamide. Vegetable sources include tomato, carrots, broccoli, turnips and potatoes. Leafy vegetables, beet and dandelion greens all contain niacinamide. Grain sources for niacinamide are brewer's yeast and brown rice. It is also found in peanuts, pine nuts and sunflower and sesame seeds.

Skin Care Products

• Due to the anti-inflammatory effects of niacinamide, many skin care products and moisturizers contain this vitamin. A 2005 study by Procter and Gamble Co. found that niacinamide improved the effects of facial aging such as hyperpigmentation, a condition in which the color of skin darkens. The study also found that a topical application of 5 percent niacinamide reduced fine wrinkles and lines and improved blotchiness and yellowing skin.

Supplements

• Niacinamide is also available as an oral supplement. A doctor may prescribe it to treat a niacin deficiency, called pellagra. This condition causes peeling skin, tongue swelling and redness, diarrhea and confusion. Niacinamide differs from niacin in that it does not affect cholesterol levels. Niacinamide is also available as an over-the-counter supplement and is the preferred niacin supplement for patients also taking medication for high cholesterol. Another advantage is that it does not cause facial flushing, a side effect of niacin.

Precautions and Side Effects

• Before taking niacinamide, it is important to tell your physician about any allergies or medical conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, low blood pressure or glaucoma. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult with their doctor prior to taking this vitamin. Some common side effects of oral niacinamide are stomach upset and nausea, diarrhea, headaches and dizziness. Less common but serious side effects are allergic reactions, which cause itching and swelling in the tongue, lips or face. Other serious side effects are black, bloody stools, vision changes, quickened or irregular heartbeat and muscle pain. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these serious side effects occur.