Niacin, No-Flush Niacin & Niacinamide - What's the Difference?

A question I get asked frequently is about niacin and what forms to take. It does seem confusing, especially when using the correct chemical names. Let's start with what niacin really is.

The Composition of Niacin

Niacin (nicotinic acid) is actually vitamin B3 and is naturally found in avocados, whole grains, legumes, eggs, milk, fish, organ meats and peanuts. Niacin is involved in enzyme function across numerous metabolic reactions in the body.

It plays a role in the digestive system, bile secretion, sex hormone production, detoxification, nervous system maintenance, as well as heart health.

Other Common Forms of Niacin

What is the difference between niacin and niacinamide?

There are two other forms of niacin: niacinamide and inositol hexanicotinate (no-flush), which serve as sources of vitamin B3. This is why they can be referred to as "niacin." What many people don't realize, however, is that the difference between niacin and niacinamide is real: these forms do not work in the same way as niacin. So pick the right "niacin" for the right condition.

Niacin (Nicotinic Acid)

Niacin (nicotinic acid): Niacin is commonly used to help with high cholesterol. Nicotinic acid is the substance that, at doses higher than those needed for its vitamin effect, has been shown to have benefit in people with high cholesterol. Nicotinic acid is known to lower two types of "bad" cholesterol (LDL and VLDL), as well as increase levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL).

Nicotinic acid has been studied for its effects on raising HDL cholesterol. However, nicotinic acid is the substance that can cause flushing as a side effect. The flush normally begins as a deep red in the face and then spreads to the rest of the body. Intense warmth usually accompanies the flush, and sometimes itching, and this lasts for about 30 minutes.

Indeed, they do. While the vitamin-like benefit of niacin is seen at nutritional doses, the cholesterol effect has mostly been studied at high doses, typically 1,000 to 2,000 mg. Nicotinic acid works, in part, by way of a receptor that inhibits fat mobilization, which is associated with its effect on blood lipids. It’s also why the flush is more common at higher doses.

Niancinamide 

Niacinamide: Niacinamide does not have the same vasodialating, or blood-vessel widening, effects that niacin has, so it does not lead to skin flushing. That makes it one of the better niacin alternatives for a Vitamin B3 Non-Flushing option when treating a niacin deficiency, or treating pellagra (a wasting disease you can suffer due to vitamin B-3 deficiency). However, it does not make it a great candidate for reducing cholesterol.

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SOLGAR Niacin (Vitamin B3) 100 MG

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$7.19 $8.99

Niacin (Vitamin B3), is a water-soluble vitamin and is part of the B Complex. It is required for the metabolism of carbohydrates and protein into energy. Niacin also supports cardiovascular health and supports the health of the nervous system.

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NATURE'S PLUS Niacinamide, 1000 mg

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$19.51 $22.95

Description Vegetarian High Potency Sustained Release Dietary Supplement Gluten Free Quality Natural Supplements Natural Support for Natural Energy Production Micro-Gel Sustained Release System In a special base which provides for the gradual release of ingredients over a prolonged period of time. Intended for the correction of Niacin deficiency.

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