Vitamins are often thought of as single substances, when in fact, vitamins are “families” that can include multiple forms of the same vitamin – known as vitamers or derivatives. Vitamers have slightly different chemical structures and properties from one another. Some vitamers are more stable, some are more active, and some require conversion to a different derivative before the body can use them in metabolic processes. 

What is vitamin B3? 

Vitamin B3, is one of the essential B vitamins our bodies need to function at their best. Vitamin B3 is water-soluble, meaning your body doesn't store it, so you need to get it regularly through your diet or via supplementation. 

Are niacin and vitamin B3 the same?

The vitamin B3 family contains nicotinic acid and its derivatives. The terms “nicotinic acid,” “niacin,” and “vitamin B3” can be used interchangeably. The derivatives of nicotinic acid include niacinamide (also called nicotinamide), nicotinamide riboside (NR), and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Each B3 vitamer is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a substance necessary for cellular energy production. NAD+ is also sold as a dietary supplement.

What does vitamin B3 do?

Vitamin B3 has many functions in the body. It plays a key role in cellular energy production and, when taken in the diet or as a nutritional supplement, can benefit skin and joint health, support brain function, and even promote restful sleep.* Dietary sources of vitamin B3 include nutritional yeast, poultry, red meats, tuna, salmon, fortified cereals, legumes, and seeds. 

What are the benefits of vitamin B3? 

While all forms of vitamin B3 can be converted to NAD+ for cellular energy production, different vitamers benefit the body in various ways. Niacin – typically found in supplements as nicotinic acid – is often used to support cardiometabolic health. Niacinamide, a non-flushing form of vitamin B3, supports restful sleep and healthy joints and skin. NR is a form of vitamin B3 that more efficiently supports cellular energy production. It also benefits healthy cellular repair and metabolism, athletic performance, lean body composition, and healthy aging.*

What is NR and what is NMN?

You might have heard of NR or NMN on social media or in the news. In the last few years both have received buzz in the conversation around healthy aging. Other forms of vitamin B3, such as nicotinic acid or nicotinamide, must be converted to NR or NMN before being converted to NAD+, which is then used by the mitochondria of the cells to produce cellular energy. As we age, our natural production of NAD+ declines. Lack of sleep, being over-stressed, over-exposure to the sun, and an unbalanced diet all contribute to depletion of NAD+. 

Are niacin and vitamin B3 the same?

While niacin is a derivative of vitamin B3, not all forms of vitamin B3 are niacin. The niacin form, particularly in higher doses, can cause a temporary redness or tingling of the skin, called a niacin flush, while other forms such as niacinamide, NR, and NMN do not. The different forms of vitamin B3 also have slightly different uses and benefits. So, while niacin is one type of vitamin B3, it’s just one piece of the broader B3 family.

All in the family 

When considering a vitamin B3 supplement, there are several characteristics to consider. The most common vitamin B3 supplement types and their distinguishing characteristics can be viewed in the chart below:

 1. Is it a non-flushing formula?

Skin flushing is a common side effect of niacin, particularly at higher doses, but it can also occur at a dose as low as 30 mg. Flushing is due to increased blood flow in vessels just below the skin, primarily on the face, arms, and chest, and is a rapid reddening of the skin accompanied by feelings of warmth. Niacin-induced skin flushing is harmless and usually resolves in less than an hour.

 2. Is it stable at room temperature?

Different vitamers have varying stability. In addition, the form of the product (liquid, powder, capsule, tablet, gel), environmental factors, such as temperature, moisture, ultraviolet light, oxygen, and the interplay with added ingredients can all affect stability.

 3. Do human studies support absorption when taken orally?

When a nutrient is taken orally, it needs to be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract to be used by the body. For some forms of vitamin B3, published human clinical trials verify absorption by measuring levels in the blood before and after the B3 derivative is taken orally. Other forms do not yet have published results or have trials that are underway but not completed.

4. Do human studies support safety when taken orally?

Supplements are tested for safety by single-dose trials and long-term trials (i.e., dosed daily for days to months). They are also tested for safety by means of delivery method – oral ingestion, dermal absorption, or some other route. Some forms of vitamin B3 have been tested for safety of long-term oral use, while others have not. Other forms do not yet have published results or have trials that are underway but not completed.

5. Are some B3 derivatives more efficient at boosting NAD+ production than others?

Every cell needs energy to function properly. As mentioned earlier, NAD+ is necessary for cellular energy production. Some B3 derivatives convert more efficiently to NAD+ than others. Another nutrient, an amino acid called tryptophan, is also converted to NAD+ but at a slower rate than B3 derivatives.

Learn more about Thorne’s vitamin B3-containing products, including Niacinamide, various  B-Complex and Multi-vitamins options, and the NR Suite for healthy aging support.*