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Top 6 Best Niacin Supplements

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Written by Andrew Le, MD.
Medically reviewed by
Clinical Physician Assistant, Summit Health
Last updated June 9, 2024

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Niacin, also referred to as vitamin B3, is a vital nutrient that has a direct bearing on the body’s general well being. It aids in metabolism to get energy from food, assists the nervous system, and enhances skin health. Even though niacin is obtainable in many foods like meats, fish, and whole grain, there are individuals who may not get sufficient doses of this nutrient from their foods. This is where the niacin supplements come in.

Niacin supplements can be purchased in the form of capsules, tablets as well as powder supplements. Its purpose is to deliver a large amount of niacin at one time that would help people get their daily nutrition. However, not all niacin supplements are the same, and this is important to know when taking this supplement. While considering the different brands of niacin supplements, there are several things that should be put into consideration, such as the dosage, quality as well as side effects.

Top 3 Best Niacin Supplements

  1. NOW Supplements, Niacin (Vitamin B-3) 500 mg, Flush-Free, Double Strength
  2. Doctor's BEST Time-Release Niacin with niaxtend Non-GMO Vegan Gluten Free 500 mg Tablets
  3. Nutricost Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 500mg, 240 Capsules - Non-GMO

Below is the list of the best niacin supplements after we conducted research and compared the best supplements available in the market. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a nutrient that is good for skin, digestion, and proper functioning of the nervous system. It also assists in reducing cholesterol and enhancing the cardiovascular system. In this article, we will reveal the best Niacin supplements that are most effective for the overall well being of a human being.

NOW Supplements, Niacin (Vitamin B-3) 500 mg, Flush-Free, Double Strength

The Editor's Choice

NOW Supplements' Niacin 500mg delivers without the annoying flush. Vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, it's perfect for dietary needs. Just watch out for some color variation and packaging issues. Get your niacin fix hassle-free!

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If you are in search of a niacin supplement that delivers real niacin activity without that familiar flush, try NOW Supplements Niacin (Vitamin B-3) 500 mg, Flush-Free, Double Strength.

Pros

  • The gradual release of niacin allows for true niacin activity without the characteristic niacin flush.
  • It is vegan/vegetarian, made without gluten, and non-GMO.
  • The capsules are double strength, providing 500mg of niacin per serving.

Cons

  • The natural color variation may occur in this product.
  • The bottle itself is not the most sleek or sturdy.
  • Some of the capsules in the bottle may be crushed or broken, releasing the powder into the bottle.

We have been using this niacin supplement for a few weeks now, and the symptoms of the niacin flush that we previously experienced with other supplements are drastically reduced. Slow-release niacin enables real niacin activity without the sensation of flush.

We also like that this product is vegan/vegetarian, gluten free and NON-GMO which makes it ideal for individuals with special diets. The double strength capsules contain 500mg of niacin per capsule, which enables one to easily have the required daily dose of niacin.

The only thing we have seen is that the natural color difference might be possible in this product and the bottle is not very classy and is not very durable. Also, some of the capsules in the bottle may be damaged such that the powder gets into the bottle.

In conclusion, NOW Supplements, Niacin (Vitamin B-3) 500 mg, Flush-Free, Double Strength is highly recommended to anyone who wants to use a niacin supplement that offers true niacin activity without the side effects of niacin flush.

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If you prefer a niacin supplement that gives a time-release effect and does not want the skin flushing sensation, the Doctor’s BEST Time-Release Niacin may suit you well.

Pros

  • The extended-release formula allows for all-day benefits without the uncomfortable flushing.
  • Niacin supports more than 500 enzymatic reactions in the body, making it a crucial nutrient for overall health.
  • May help maintain healthy cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range.

Cons

  • Some users report experiencing uncomfortable flushes for hours after taking the supplement.
  • The tablets may be difficult to swallow for some users.
  • The sharp edges of the tablets may cause irritation for some users.

In our experience, Doctor’s BEST Time-Release Niacin is a safe and efficient supplement for every person who wants to lead a healthy life and who has high cholesterol problems. The expanded-release formula offers all-day relief for patients but is free from the flushing that is usually seen with niacin.

Some of the users have complained of flushes that lasted for several hours after using the supplement; however, we did not observe this side effect. But, it was discovered that the tablets may pose a challenge in terms of swallowing for some of the users, particularly because of the size and shape of the tablets.

All in all, we can conclude that getting a Doctor’s BEST Time-Release Niacin supplement is a wise investment especially for those wishing to enhance their health and keep their cholesterol levels in check.

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For anyone who wishes to take niacin supplements but avoid the “niacin flush,” Nutricost Niacinamide is a supplement that we recommend to you.

Pros

  • Contains 240 capsules per bottle, which should last you for a while.
  • Each capsule contains 500mg of Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide).
  • Non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free.

Cons

  • Some users might prefer a product that contains niacin instead of niacinamide.
  • The effectiveness of this particular brand is difficult to determine without conducting your own tests.
  • The sharp edge of the last bottle's cap might cause injury if not handled carefully.

We have been using Nutricost Niacinamide for a while now, and this is a type of Vitamin B3 that does not induce the flush, which may be important to some users. This is non-GMO, gluten, and soy-free, and most importantly, the pack contains 240 capsules, enough to sustain you for some time.

Of course, some users may require a product containing niacin and not niacinamide; however, the efficacy of this specific brand can hardly be revealed without prior experiments. Furthermore, the next observed defect is the danger of getting a cut on the palms from the last bottle’s cap edge.

In general, we believe Nutricost Niacinamide can be recommended to people who want to take a good niacin supplement that does not lead to a flush. However, like any other supplement, people should consult with their doctor before taking it.

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Nature’s Bounty Niacin 500mg capsules are available in their flush-free formula if you are looking for a niacin supplement that supports cellular energy and offers a whole body benefit.

Pros

  • Provides cellular energy support
  • Flush-free formula
  • Supports nervous system health

Cons

  • May cause stomach upset in some people
  • May not be suitable for individuals with liver problems
  • May cause mild skin flushing in some people

The team and I have been using Nature’s Bounty Niacin for the past few months and we feel more energetic and in much better shape. It is easy to use because it is flush-free and there is no skin flushing as we have seen.

Nature’s Bounty Niacin is gluten-free and does not include any artificial flavors or colors, which makes it safe and healthy. The product is small and can be swallowed easily without any difficulties; there are no aftertaste or side effects.

We understand that Nature’s Bounty Niacin is the result of 50 years of commitment towards delivering quality, reliable, and scientifically backed vitamins and nutritional supplements of superior quality. We also discovered that Nature’s Bounty Niacin is cheap compared to other superior brands in the market.

In conclusion, if you are searching for a niacin supplement that offers cellular energy support, keeps the nervous system healthy, and is easy to swallow, it’s worth trying Nature’s Bounty Niacin supplement.

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TRU NIAGEN is a safe product that can be used to improve your healthspan and increase your cellular NAD+ level. In conclusion, we encourage anyone who has the desire to maintain his or her health as they grow older to use this product.

Pros

  • TRU NIAGEN is made in the United States and tested for potency and safety.
  • TRU NIAGEN is backed by 40+ owned and licensed patents, 300+ published scientific studies, and 2 Nobel Prize winners.
  • Using TRU NIAGEN daily can have many positive effects, including improvements in general health and well-being.

Cons

  • TRU NIAGEN may not work for everyone, as everyone experiences different types and levels of stress.
  • TRU NIAGEN may take some time to work, as it is clinically proven to elevate NAD+ levels by approximately 40-50% after 8 weeks.
  • TRU NIAGEN may be expensive for some people, as it is a premium supplement.

We have been using TRU NIAGEN for several weeks now and we have seen enhanced energy levels in our body and improved health. We wake up with more energy, and during the workouts, we do not feel as tired as we used to. Consuming TRU NIAGEN is very simple and does not have negative effects on the body or digestive system.

As for the ingredients, TRU NIAGEN has Niagen, which is a patented form of the compound known as nicotinamide riboside (NR). Niagen is one of the most effective NAD boosters and contributes to the 37. Increases NAD+ levels, you get 2 trillion cells in your body. NAD+ is crucial for cellular health and helps the cells cope with the numerous ordeals that life presents.

NIAGEN has been clinically tested to increase NAD+ levels by 40-50% for 8 weeks. TRU NIAGEN is demonstrably capable of raising NAD+ levels when taken daily, as multiple published clinical trials show, and with 40+ registered human trials now underway. Furthermore, it has been found for instance that Niagen which is the main ingredient in TRU NIAGEN enhances NAD+ levels more efficiently than nicotinamide/niacinamide and niacin.

Overall, we would like to suggest using TRU NIAGEN to anyone who feels that their cells need improvement and they experience fatigue. It is a premium supplement, but with the current prices it sells at, it is worth it to ensure that you remain healthy as you grow older.

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If you are interested in a high-quality niacin supplement, the Aesticum Nicotinamide Riboside Supplement is one of our top picks.

Pros

  • Provides a high content of 2000mg, including 1500mg of Nicotinamide Riboside, Trans-Pterostilbene 200mg, and Betaine Anhydrous 300mg (TMG)
  • Boosts NAD+ levels for increased energy production and age defense
  • Uses liposome technology for maximum absorption and bioavailability

Cons

  • May be more expensive than other niacin supplements on the market
  • May not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications
  • Some users may experience mild side effects such as nausea or headaches

The Aesticum Nicotinamide Riboside Supplement is one that we have used, and it has been very effective in boosting energy as well as general well-being. High in 2000mg content, TMG, Trans-Pterostilbene enhances NAD+ for energy and aged protection. This is due to the fact that the liposome technology also has features like maximum absorption and bioavailability to give the best outcomes.

All in all, we believe that Aesticum Nicotinamide Riboside Supplement is one of the best niacin supplements available in the market to support and enhance your vitality and well being.

Buying Guide

Regarding the selection of the best niacin supplement, there are various factors that one needs to consider. That is why we have created this buyers guide on how to choose the right niacin supplement for you.

Form of Niacin

One of the first things that needs to be looked at is the form of niacin in the supplement. There are two main forms of niacin: These are niotinic acid and niacinamide. Nicotinic acid is slightly more common and is widely known for its action that reduces cholesterol levels. Niacin, on the other hand, is a form of vitamin B3 referred to as niacin, but it does not have the capacity to alter cholesterol levels. But if you are in the market for a supplement that will effectively reduce your cholesterol levels, then the best supplement for you is nicotinic acid. So for a general health supplement, then niacinamide might be better for you.

Dosage

The next thing to consider is the amount of the niacin supplement that is advised to be taken. One must ensure that the supplement that they are taking contain the necessary amount of niacin for the body to function properly. The suggested daily serving of niacin is between 14-16 mg for women and between 16-18 mg for men. If you are taking niacin for a particular ailment, then your physician might prescribe a larger amount of niacin. It is important to abide to the doctor’s prescription and select a supplement which offers the right quantity.

Quality

Other things that should be looked at when selecting a niacin supplement include quality. When seeking for a supplement, a good one should be manufactured by a reputable company and has been verified by a third party. When selecting a supplement, it is also advisable to look for labels like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) to be certain that the supplement is of good quality.

Other Ingredients

Last but not least, there are other components present in the niacin supplement. There may be such things as fillers, binders or artificial colours and flavouring in some supplements. This should be a supplement with as little other components as possible in order to avoid putting extra things that are not needed in your body.

Taking into account these facts, you will be able to choose the most suitable niacin supplement and help improve your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between niacin and niacinamide?

The two main forms of vitamin B3 are niacin and niacinamide. Niacin is also referred to as nicotinic acid and niacinamide is also referred to as nicotinamide. Niacin is used with cholesterol while niacinamide is used with skin conditions like acne and rosacea.

What is the recommended daily intake of niacin?

Niacin daily allowances are different for people of different ages and sexes. The daily dose for a normal adult male is 16 milligrams, and for a normal adult female is 14 milligrams. However, in order to manage some medical conditions, you may need to take niacin in larger doses.

Can I take 100mg of niacin each day?

It is safe to take 100mg of niacin per day for any person without causing any harm. However, larger doses of niacin may come with several side effects such as skin redness, itchy skin, and stomach discomfort. It is always wise to consult your doctor if you have a health complication or you are on any medication before you start taking the supplements.

What foods contain vitamin B3?

The best foods containing vitamin B3 include chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, peanut, mushrooms and avocados. Vitamin B3 can also be obtained from fortified cereal, nutritional yeast and legumes for the vegetarians and vegans.

What is the best form of niacin that one can take?

Niacinamide can be considered as the safest type of niacin that a person should think about using. Unlike niacin, niacinamide does not induce side effects such as flushing, itching, and other allied symptoms. Nonetheless, the use of niacinamide seems to be less potent than niacin in treating some diseases.

Is it safe to take niacin daily?

The daily intake of niacin is considered to have few adverse effects in most individuals. Nevertheless, higher dosages of niacin may lead to side effects such as flushing, itching, and gurgling in the stomach. One should consult their doctor before taking any supplements, especially if they have or are planning to take medicine.

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Clinical Physician Assistant, Summit Health
Jeff brings to Buoy 20 years of clinical experience as a physician assistant in urgent care and internal medicine. He also has extensive experience in healthcare administration, most recently as developer and director of an urgent care center. While completing his doctorate in Health Sciences at A.T. Still University, Jeff studied population health, healthcare systems, and evidence-based medicine....
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