Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. Niacinamide does not have the same pharmacological effects as other forms of vitamin B3 such as niacin. Niacinamide may be recommended by your doctor to treat type 1 diabetes, skin conditions or vitamin deficiency. Effective doses range between 25 and 3,000 mg depending on the condition being treated. Your doctor can help determine the appropriate dose for your medical condition.
Function in the Body
Niacin, niacinamide and other forms of vitamin B3 are converted into the same form in the body. Each form has different pharmacological effects and potential toxicity. B vitamins are necessary for your body to digest carbohydrates into glucose, a primary source of energy and raw materials in your body. Vitamin B3 is also used in the production of sex and stress hormones by the adrenal glands. B vitamins are water-soluble, and excess vitamins are excreted in the urine. Deficiency in developed countries is rare and normally caused by alcoholism. Niacinamide is not effective in treating high blood pressure or cholesterol. Your doctor may also recommend niacinamide for another condition.
Low Doses
The recommended daily intake of vitamin B3 is approximately 15 mg. A dose of 25 mg per day of niacinamide is used to slow the progress of type 1 diabetes in those recently diagnosed. Treatment with niacinamide can delay the need to use insulin daily to control blood sugar. Mild deficiency of vitamin B3 is treated with 50 to 100 mg of niacinamide per day.
High Doses
Your healthcare provider should determine the optimal dose of niacinamide based on your overall health, weight, metabolism and medications. Osteoarthritis symptoms may be reduced with 3,000 mg of niacinamide per day. Severe vitamin B3 deficiency is treated with 300 to 500 mg of niacinamide daily. These high doses can cause painful flushing, burning and tingling due to increased blood flow. For this reason, time-release formulations of niacinamide are often used.
Safety
Niacinamide is considered safe in adults and possibly safe in children, according to the National Institutes of Health. Niacinamide should not be used to treat type 2 diabetes without the supervision of your doctor as it can raise blood sugar levels. Consult with your healthcare provider before taking niacinamide to check for interactions with your health condition and daily medication. Niacinamide may interfere with nicotine patches, antibiotics, aspirin, blood thinner and other medication used to treat diabetes, lower cholesterol or lower blood pressure.
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