Supplement Ingredient Guide

Niacin

Niacin is a water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B3) that helps the body convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy. It also supports healthy cholesterol levels, nervous system function, and skin health, making it a popular choice in supplements for heart and metabolic support.

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About Niacin

Read the ingredient guide

What is Niacin?

Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin, also called vitamin B3, that is essential for human health and metabolism.

How Niacin is used in supplements

It enables the body to create cellular energy from food and supports normal cholesterol and triglyceride levels, nerve health, and healthy skin. Supplement users often take niacin to support cardiovascular health, promote energy metabolism, and maintain neural and skin function, especially when dietary intake is insufficient.

Where Niacin comes from

Niacin is found in foods such as meats, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, and fortified cereals. As a supplement, it usually appears as nicotinic acid or niacinamide tablets, capsules, or powders.

Safety and interactions

High supplemental doses may cause temporary skin flushing, and long-term use of high doses can impact liver health—consult a healthcare provider before starting high-dose niacin.

Niacin: common questions

What is the difference between niacin (nicotinic acid) and niacinamide in supplements?

Niacin (nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (nicotinamide) are two forms of vitamin B3. Both support energy metabolism, but nicotinic acid is more likely to cause skin flushing, while niacinamide does not. Niacinamide is often chosen for general wellness or skin support, while nicotinic acid is usually used in products targeting cholesterol.

What are common dietary sources of niacin?

Niacin is found naturally in a variety of foods. Rich sources include meats such as chicken and beef, fish like tuna and salmon, peanuts, legumes, and whole or enriched grains. Including these foods in your diet can help you meet your daily niacin requirement.

Why is niacin included in cardiovascular support supplements?

Niacin is added to cardiovascular formulas because it is studied for its role in supporting healthy cholesterol levels. It may help maintain the balance between HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as support healthy blood vessel function, making it a popular choice in heart health supplements.

Can niacin supplements cause side effects?

High doses of niacin, especially in its nicotinic acid form, can cause skin flushing—a temporary tingling and redness. Prolonged high-dose use may affect liver health. Some individuals may also experience digestive upset. Consult a healthcare professional before using high-dose niacin supplements.