Nicotinamide: Benefits, Uses And How It Works
The quick overview of Nicotinamide:
- Nicotinamide, also known as niacinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 that supports normal energy production and healthy cell function.
- Nicotinamide acts as a building block for NMN and NAD+, which are involved in cellular energy production and other important cellular processes.
- Potential nicotinamide benefits include supporting energy production, healthy skin function and normal cell repair processes.
- Nicotinamide can be obtained through vitamin B3-rich foods or supplements, alongside a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
You may have noticed the word ‘nicotinamide’ appearing on supplement labels, in wellness articles, or even in your favourite skincare products. But what exactly does it do, and why is it becoming a focus in the world of health and wellbeing?
When it comes to nicotinamide uses, this form of vitamin B3 plays a valuable role in supporting your body’s natural energy production and cellular health¹ ⁴. Behind the scenes, it acts as a building block for NMN, which then helps create NAD+, a vital molecule that fuels the energy your cells need to function at their best¹ ⁴.
Nicotinamide supports your body’s natural energy production and helps maintain normal cellular balance, working quietly in the background as part of your everyday wellbeing¹. Let’s break down what it is, how it works and why you might consider making it part of your wellness routine.
What is nicotinamide?
Nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide) is a form of vitamin B3 naturally found in foods like poultry, fish, eggs and leafy greens.It plays a key role in supporting your body’s normal energy production and healthy cell function¹.
One of nicotinamide’s key roles is acting as a precursor to NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide). Through a natural process, nicotinamide can be converted into NMN, which may then become NAD+, a molecule involved in many cellular activities².
NAD+ helps your cells create energy through mitochondrial respiration, essentially producing the fuel they need. It’s involved in cellular repair pathways that help maintain DNA integrity² ⁴.
By contributing to NAD+ production, nicotinamide may help support your cells’ normal energy balance, an important aspect of overall health. Some research suggests that maintaining healthy NAD+ levels could support healthy ageing¹, although this is best considered as part of a broader lifestyle that includes balanced nutrition and regular physical activity.
Understanding nicotinamide’s role in the body
When nicotinamide is consumed, your body converts it into molecules that fuel your cells. One of its key roles is acting as a building block for NMN, which can then form NAD+, a coenzyme found in all living cells¹.
NAD+ is involved in many everyday cellular processes, including:
- Supporting normal metabolism and energy production¹ ⁴
- Helping to produce ATP, the main energy currency in cells¹ ⁴
- Contributing to the management of reactive oxygen species¹ ⁴
- Playing a role in DNA repair processes² ³
By helping to maintain NAD+ levels, nicotinamide may support your cells in carrying out their regular functions. Some research also suggests that nicotinamide could assist in processes related to DNA repair and maintaining a healthy balance in the body’s inflammatory responses¹.
Nicotinamide vs niacinamide
Is nicotinamide the same as niacinamide? Yes, nicotinamide and niacinamide are two names for the same form of vitamin B3³. The main difference is in how the terms are commonly used rather than what they are.
Nicotinamide is often used in scientific research and nutritional contexts, while niacinamide is a term you may be more familiar with from skincare and cosmetic products. Despite the different names, they refer to the same compound and perform the same functions in the body³.
It’s also worth noting that nicotinamide is different from niacin, another form of vitamin B3. While they belong to the same vitamin family, they have different properties and uses.
What are the benefits of nicotinamide?
As a form of vitamin B3, nicotinamide plays a role in several normal processes throughout the body. Some of its key functions and potential benefits include¹ ² ⁴:
- Supporting normal energy production: nicotinamide helps the body convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into usable energy¹.
- Supporting healthy skin function: nicotinamide contributes to normal skin function and has been studied for its role in supporting the skin barrier¹ ².
- Supporting normal cellular function: nicotinamide contributes to NAD+ production, which is involved in cellular energy production and other essential cellular processes¹ ⁴.
- Playing a role in cellular repair processes: nicotinamide has been studied for its involvement in processes such as DNA repair and maintaining healthy cell function² ³.
These functions highlight the different ways nicotinamide is involved in everyday health, from energy production and skin function to supporting normal processes within your cells.
Adding a nicotinamide supplement to your routine
Food sources are the first way most people obtain vitamin B3. Eating a balanced diet with foods naturally rich in vitamin B3 (such as poultry, fish, eggs, and leafy green vegetables) is a great place to start¹. Fortified foods containing added B vitamins may also help fill nutritional gaps.
For some people, a nicotinamide supplement can be a convenient way to help support daily vitamin B3 intake, particularly if dietary sources are limited. It’s always best to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, to ensure it’s right for your individual needs.
Including nicotinamide can be one way to support your body’s normal energy processes and overall wellbeing¹ ². When paired with a balanced diet, regular movement, and other healthy habits, it may help you maintain steady energy levels and support healthy cell function as part of a broader approach to wellness.
To explore more ways to support your wellness naturally, take a look at The Different Types of Vitamins and Formats or Everything You Need to Know About Hair, Skin and Nail Supplements on the Swisse Wellness Hub.
References:
- Camillo, L., Zavattaro, E., & Savoia, P. (2025). Nicotinamide: A Multifaceted Molecule in Skin Health and Beyond. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 61(2), 254. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61020254
- Surjana, D., Halliday, G. M., & Damian, D. L. (2010). Role of nicotinamide in DNA damage, mutagenesis, and DNA repair. Journal of nucleic acids, 2010, 157591. https://doi.org/10.4061/2010/157591
- Chen, A. C., & Damian, D. L. (2014). Nicotinamide and the skin. Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 55(3), 169–175. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajd.12186
- Maiese, K., Chong, Z. Z., Hou, J., & Shang, Y. C. (2009). The vitamin nicotinamide: translating nutrition into clinical care. Molecules, 14(9), 3446–3485. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules14093446
- Optoderm. (2017). Nicotinamide and the skin. Retrieved from https://optoderm.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Nicotinamide-and-the-skin.pdf
