Niacin is also called nicotinic acid. Niacinamide is also referred to as nicotinamide. These are slightly different compounds with very different effects. Understanding the difference before you lay down your money is important because although niacinamide is widely advertised as being free from unwanted side effects, it may not produce the results you desire. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Chemical Differences
Both niacin and niacinamide are forms of vitamin B-3. Niacin is found in foods such as yeast, meat, poultry, tuna, salmon, milk and green leafy vegetables. It is converted to niacinamide in the body. Chemically, niacin and niacinamide are very similar. The only difference between the group is that a carboxyl group is found in the niacin molecule where an amide group appears in the niacinamide molecule.
Flushing
The April 10, 2009, issue of ScienceDaily.com reports that niacin often causes an "embarrassing, uncontrollable intense flushing, a rush of blood to the face and other skin surfaces accompanied by a prickling sensation." Niacinamide does not produce this reaction. Advertisers often market it being "flush free" to entice buyers to purchase their product.
Cholesterol and Triglycerides
The Linus Pauling Institute explains that pharmacologic doses of niacin, but not nicotinamide, have been known to reduce serum cholesterol since 1955. According to an article appearing in the November 2001 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, the most powerful effect on cholesterol may be achieved with a combination of niacin, a drug such as simvostatin and other antioxidant vitamins.
Suggestions
Writing in the October 1992 issue of the "Canadian Medical Association Journal," P. Jaconello notes that patients have to be "well motivated" to pursue a course of niacin therapy because the associated flushing can be intense. The Mayo Clinic suggests that flushing can be minimized by avoiding hot drinks and alcohol. It suggests taking the niacin after eating and talking to your doctor about taking aspirin with the niacin.
References
- MedlinePlus: Niacin and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- "Canadian Medical Association Journal"; Niacin versus Niacinamide; P. Jaconello; October 1992
- Mayo Clinic: Niacin (Vitamin B3, Nicotinic acid), Niacinamide; June 2011
- "International Journal of Toxicology"; Final Report of the Safety Assessment of Niacinamide and Niacin; Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel; 2005
- MayoClinic.com; Niacin to Boost your HDL, 'Good,' Cholesterol; June 2011
- ScienceDaily; Biology of Flushing Could Renew Niacin As Cholesterol Drug; April 2009
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