Vitamin B3 (Nicotinamide)
- Read more here: Vitamin B3 (Niacin vs Nicotinamide vs Nicotinamide Riboside)
What is Niacinamide (or Nicotinamide)?
Also referred to as vitamin B3 or nicotinamide, Niacinamide is a water-soluble B vitamin. A key ingredient in numerous CeraVe products, ranging from cleansers to eye creams, serums, and sunscreens, niacinamide can be both ingested as a supplement and applied topically on the skin (1,3,6).
Uses and Benefits
- Skin health: Niacinamide aids in skin protein synthesis and moisture retention, thus guarding the skin against environmental adversities (1). Scientific studies validate its effectiveness in augmenting skin hydration, curbing inflammation, and refining the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation (1,2,3,6).
- Acne and eczema: There's evidence to suggest that niacinamide can alleviate acne and eczema (1,2,6).
- Immunity: Niacinamide seems to fortify immunity (1).
- Other conditions: Beyond these, niacinamide is utilized to counter vitamin B3 deficiency and resultant conditions, notably pellagra (4). It also finds applications in the treatment of diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, and skin discoloration (4). However, substantial scientific affirmation for these applications is yet to be established (4).
Dosage
The standard dosage of niacinamide remains undefined. Research pertaining to acne and eczema treatment, however, has employed daily doses ranging between 500-1000 mg (1). For accurate dosage information, it's prudent to adhere to supplement bottle guidelines or seek counsel from a healthcare specialist.
Side Effects
As a supplement or topical application, niacinamide is typically well-tolerated (1,3). Nevertheless, a minority may encounter side effects like dizziness, gastrointestinal disturbances, headaches, or mouth ulcers (1).
Interactions
Concurrent intake of niacinamide with blood sugar-reducing medications, such as insulin or oral diabetes drugs, can amplify hypoglycemia risks (1). There's also potential interaction with blood pressure-lowering medicines, like ACE inhibitors and diuretics, potentially resulting in decreased blood pressure (1). It's advisable to liaise with a healthcare expert before mixing niacinamide with other drugs or supplements.
Time of Day and With or Without Food
Niacinamide consumption isn't bound by any specific time (1). It can be ingested independent of food intake (1).
Human Studies
Numerous studies indicate the beneficial effects of niacinamide in enhancing skin hydration, suppressing inflammation, and revamping skin appearance concerning fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation (1,2,3,6). Additionally, it demonstrates potential in addressing acne and eczema (1,2,6). However, further research is crucial for a holistic assessment of its efficacy and safety across diverse conditions.
In summation, niacinamide, a variant of water-soluble B vitamin, is pivotal for skin health. It can be ingested or used topically. Its proven capabilities span skin hydration enhancement, inflammation mitigation, and rejuvenation of skin appearance. Additionally, it shows promise in treating acne and eczema. While there's no universally accepted dosage, it's wise to follow labeled instructions or consult a healthcare expert. Generally, niacinamide is safe but may interact with certain medications. There's no stipulated time for its consumption, and it can be taken with or without meals. Comprehensive research is vital for a detailed understanding of its all-encompassing benefits and safety profile.
Citations:
1 https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/niacinamide
2 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/niacinamide/
3 https://www.cerave.com/ingredients-in-cerave/niacinamide
4 https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1534/niacinamide
5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921764/
6 https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/niacinamide/