In this article:
- What is nicotinamide?
- Understanding nicotinamide’s role in the body
- What are the benefits of nicotinamide?
- Adding a nicotinamide supplement to your routine
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 can also play a role in repair processes, including helping to fix DNA damage from everyday stressors² 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
Once you consume nicotinamide, 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? In short, yes, they refer to the same form of vitamin B3³. Nicotinamide is the scientific term you’ll often see in research papers and nutritional supplements, while niacinamide is more common in skincare and cosmetic products. Regardless of the name, both typically function in the body in the same way³.
What are the benefits of nicotinamide?
Research into nicotinamide has looked at its role in supporting a variety of normal bodily functions. The potential benefits of nicotinamide include¹ ² ⁴:
- Supporting normal energy production: helps to convert the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins you eat into usable energy for the body¹.
- Helping maintain healthy skin function: contributes to the normal structure and function of the skin barrier, supporting its ability to stay hydrated and comfortable¹ ².
- Acting as a precursor to NAD+: helps the body produce NAD+, a molecule involved in cellular energy production and other NAD+-dependent processes¹.
- Assisting with normal cell repair and regeneration: plays a role in DNA repair mechanisms that help maintain healthy cells³.
When you look at nicotinamide benefits in this way, it’s easier to see how it may be part of an overall approach to wellness that supports your body’s natural energy and repair processes.
Adding a nicotinamide supplement to your routine
If you’re thinking about including nicotinamide in your wellness routine, there are simple ways to do so.
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
