Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Heart Health
Also known as: Nicotinic acid, Vitamin B3 (lipid), Niacin, Vitamin B3, nicotinamide
A
Grade A💊 500-2000mg daily (titrate up slowly)🎯 8 primary uses🔗 1 synergy⚠️ Review warnings
Levels upHeart & Longevity+50 pts
Overview
Niacinamide is a water-soluble B vitamin essential for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular signaling. It supports mental clarity and sustained energy production without the flushing effect associated with nicotinic acid.
Primary Uses
HDL increaseTriglyceridesLDL reductionLp(a)energy productionmental clarityNAD+ synthesiscognitive function
Frequently Asked About Niacin (Vitamin B3)
How much Niacin (Vitamin B3) should I take?
The typical effective range is 500-2000mg daily (titrate up slowly). Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take Niacin (Vitamin B3)?
With food, evening. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take Niacin (Vitamin B3) with food?
Yes (reduces flushing).
Does Niacin (Vitamin B3) interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include Statins (myopathy risk), Blood thinners, and Blood pressure meds. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Niacin (Vitamin B3).
What does Niacin (Vitamin B3) pair well with?
Niacin (Vitamin B3) stacks well with Aspirin (before dose for flushing) — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take Niacin (Vitamin B3)?
Niacin (Vitamin B3) should be avoided or used with caution by people with Active liver disease, Peptic ulcer, and Gout (relative). Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of Niacin (Vitamin B3)?
Most people tolerate Niacin (Vitamin B3) well. The most commonly reported side effects are Flushing (common), GI upset, and Itching. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.
Dosage
Typical range
500-2000mg daily (titrate up slowly)
Timing
With food, evening
With food
Yes (reduces flushing)
Duration
Ongoing, monitor liver
Special Populations
Low HDL, high triglycerides, Lp(a)
Research & Studies
Search the literature now
We haven’t curated landmark studies for Niacin (Vitamin B3)yet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.
Search Niacin (Vitamin B3) research
Mechanism of Action
- • Increases HDL
- • Lowers triglycerides and LDL
- • May reduce Lp(a)
Evidence Quality
Evidence Grade A
Effective for lipids, causes flushing
Safety & Contraindications
Serious Warnings
- • Liver damage (esp. extended release)
- • Glucose intolerance
Contraindications
- • Active liver disease
- • Peptic ulcer
- • Gout (relative)
Common Side Effects
- • Flushing (common)
- • GI upset
- • Itching
- • Glucose elevation
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
High doses not recommended
Liver & Kidney Notes
Monitor liver function
Interactions
💊 Medications
- • Statins (myopathy risk)
- • Blood thinners
- • Blood pressure meds
- • Diabetes meds
🧪 Supplements
- • May need glucose monitoring
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
- • With food, aspirin reduces flush
Stacking & Synergies
Pairs Well With
Aspirin (before dose for flushing)
Avoid Combining With
High-dose statins
Best Goal Synergies
HDL raisingLp(a)
Buying Guide
What to Look For
- • Immediate release for safety
- • Start low
Standardization Markers
Nicotinic acid contentRelease type specified
Adulteration risk
Low
Practical Notes
- • Start low, increase slowly
- • Aspirin before dose reduces flushing
Tags
heartvitaminHDLcholesterolenergymetabolismessentialB-vitamin complex
Top Products with Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Highest-scored catalog products containing Niacin (Vitamin B3), ranked by our scoring engine.
Craving and Stress SupportThorne93
NiacinamideThorne92
Basic Nutrients 2/DayThorne88
Basic PrenatalThorne88
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Last reviewed: September 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, September). Niacin (Vitamin B3) — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/niacin
Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.