Overview
NAD+ precursor; nicotinic acid form lowers LDL and raises HDL.
- Meat
- Fish
- Peanuts
- Mushrooms
- Nicotinic acid (flushing)
- Niacinamide (no flush)
- Inositol hexanicotinate
Mechanism of action
Precursor to NAD+/NADP+; nicotinic acid binds GPR109A in adipocytes reducing lipolysis.
- · NAD+ biosynthesis
- · Lipid metabolism
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
High-dose nicotinic acid can be hepatotoxic.
Evidence-based benefits
Lowers LDL and triglycerides at >1 g/d nicotinic acid
Strong evidenceNiacinamide improves pellagra
Strong evidencePotential side effects
- · Flush (nicotinic acid)
- · Itching
- · Glucose intolerance
- · Hepatotoxicity >3 g/d
- · Hyperuricemia
Drug interactions
Supplement interactions
- Omega-3Anti-inflammatory cardiovascular synergy.
- CoQ10Supports mitochondrial energetics in cardiac tissue.
- NAD+ precursor (NMN or NR)Complementary mitochondrial and sirtuin support.
No specific avoidances listed.
Dosing & bioavailability
Where to buy
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.
Third-party testedIndependently verified Vitamin B3 (Niacin) — look for USP, NSF, or Informed Sport seals on the label for purity and dose accuracy.Vitamin B3 (Niacin) third party tested NSF
CapsulesPre-measured Vitamin B3 (Niacin) capsules — easiest for travel and consistent daily dosing without scoops or scales.Vitamin B3 (Niacin) capsules
PowderBulk unflavored Vitamin B3 (Niacin) powder — best cost-per-gram and flexible dosing for stacking or mixing into drinks.Vitamin B3 (Niacin) powder unflavored
Best sellersMost-purchased Vitamin B3 (Niacin) products on Amazon — a quick way to see what's reviewed widely before you commit.Vitamin B3 (Niacin) best sellerScientific evidence9Show studiesHide studies
Vitamin B3 (Niacin): pharmacology, clinical evidence, and safety — narrative review
Examine.com Research Team
Curated narrative review of human and preclinical evidence for Vitamin B3 (Niacin), including mechanism, typical dosing, and safety considerations.
Best-supported outcome: Lowers LDL and triglycerides at >1 g/d nicotinic acid (evidence: strong). Additional outcomes and limitations summarized in the full profile.
PubMed: Vitamin B3 (Niacin) — Lowers LDL and triglycerides at >1 g/d nicotinic acid
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Lowers LDL and triglycerides at >1 g/d nicotinic acid" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and "Lowers LDL and triglycerides at >1 g/d nicotinic acid". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Vitamin B3 (Niacin) — Niacinamide improves pellagra
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Niacinamide improves pellagra" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and "Niacinamide improves pellagra". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Vitamin B3 (Niacin) — randomized controlled trial
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Vitamin B3 (Niacin) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Vitamin B3 (Niacin) — meta-analysis
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Vitamin B3 (Niacin) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Vitamin B3 (Niacin) — pharmacokinetics
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Vitamin B3 (Niacin) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Vitamin B3 (Niacin) — safety adverse events
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Vitamin B3 (Niacin) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Vitamin B3 (Niacin) — dose response
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Vitamin B3 (Niacin) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Google Scholar: Vitamin B3 (Niacin) — clinical evidence
Live Scholar search
Cross-database citation index for Vitamin B3 (Niacin) as it relates to "clinical evidence".
Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.