What is the difference between nicotinamide and nicotinic acid?

Both nicotinamide and nicotinic acid are forms of vitamin B3 (niacin), but they have different effects. Nicotinic acid causes a temporary “niacin flush” — a warm, tingling, red sensation on the skin — because it triggers vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). Nicotinamide does not cause this flush. Nicotinamide is also more stable in supplement formulations and is the preferred form for general B-complex supplements. Both forms are converted into the essential coenzymes NAD and NADP in the body. Our Vitamin B Complex uses nicotinamide for optimal tolerability.

What is the NRV for vitamin B3 and how much do you provide?

The EU Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for vitamin B3 (niacin) is 16 mg NE (Niacin Equivalents) per day. Our Vitamin B Complex provides 16 mg of nicotinamide per serving — 100% NRV. The NRV is expressed as “NE” because the body can also produce niacin from the amino acid tryptophan, so 1 mg NE = 1 mg niacin or 60 mg tryptophan. Our 16 mg nicotinamide provides the full daily reference value directly, without relying on tryptophan conversion.

How does vitamin B3 support skin health?

Vitamin B3 (as nicotinamide) contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, as recognised by EFSA. At a cellular level, nicotinamide supports NAD production, which is essential for cellular energy metabolism and DNA repair in skin cells. It also helps maintain the skin barrier function. For this reason, nicotinamide is a popular ingredient in both oral supplements and topical skincare products. The 16 mg in our Vitamin B Complex provides the reference nutritional dose, supporting skin health from the inside out as part of a complete B vitamin profile.

Can vitamin B3 help with cholesterol management?

While nicotinic acid (the other form of vitamin B3) has been used at much higher doses (500–2,000 mg daily) in clinical settings for lipid management, this is a pharmacological application — not a nutritional one. The 16 mg of nicotinamide in our Vitamin B Complex is a nutritional reference dose for maintaining general health, not a therapeutic level. Anyone interested in using B3 for cholesterol management should consult a healthcare professional, as high-dose nicotinic acid can have side effects.

Ingredient Deep Dive · Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3)

Ingredient Nicotinamide

Vitamin B3 — essential for energy, skin, and nervous system function.

Nicotinamide (niacinamide) is the form of vitamin B3 that supports energy metabolism without the “niacin flush.” Found in our Vitamin B Complex at 100% NRV.

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What is Nicotinamide?

Nicotinamide (also called niacinamide) is one of the two principal forms of vitamin B3. Unlike nicotinic acid — the other main B3 form — nicotinamide does not cause the characteristic 'niacin flush' (a temporary reddening of the skin) and is generally better tolerated at higher intakes. Nicotinamide is a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), two of the most important coenzymes in cellular metabolism. NAD+ is involved in over 500 enzymatic reactions and is central to energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular signalling.

The NAD+ system is fundamental to life itself. Without it, the conversion of food into cellular energy would cease, and the essential processes of DNA repair and maintenance would be compromised. The body synthesises NAD+ from vitamin B3 obtained through diet, and adequate B3 status is necessary to maintain cellular NAD+ levels. Nicotinamide is naturally present in a wide range of foods including meat, fish, nuts, and grains.

EFSA-approved health benefits

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed that niacin (vitamin B3):

contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system
contributes to normal psychological function
contributes to the maintenance of normal skin
contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes
contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

Why we use Nicotinamide in Nutri-Leaf formulas

Nutri-Leaf Vitamin B Complex uses nicotinamide as the source of vitamin B3, avoiding the flushing effect associated with nicotinic acid while providing all the metabolic and neurological benefits of B3. Each capsule delivers 16mg nicotinamide (100% NRV) alongside the seven other essential B vitamins at 100% NRV in a comprehensive once-daily formula.

Products containing Nicotinamide

The Nutri-Leaf product featuring nicotinamide is Vitamin B Complex, which provides all eight B vitamins at 100% NRV per capsule in their active forms, supporting energy metabolism, nervous system, and psychological function.

Learn more about the role of B vitamins in energy and well-being on our Energy & Vitality and Stress Management health guides. Visit the Ingredient Philosophy page for details on our formulation principles.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Ingredient profile

Nicotinamide — the non-flushing form of vitamin B3.

What it is
Nicotinamide (also called niacinamide) is one of the two principal forms of vitamin B3. Nutri-Leaf Vitamin B Complex uses it as the B3 source.
Why we use it
Every ingredient in our formulas serves a specific nutritional purpose. What you see on the label is exactly what’s in the capsule.
German quality sourcing
All ingredients are sourced to meet German and EU pharmacopoeia quality standards, then manufactured into finished supplements in Germany by an FSSC 22000 certified food-supplement producer.
Benefits & research
Role in the body
Niacin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, the normal functioning of the nervous system, normal psychological function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Approved health claims
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), niacin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, the normal functioning of the nervous system, normal psychological function, the maintenance of normal skin and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
EU quality standards
Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) are set by EU Regulation 1169/2011. Our formulas are designed to provide meaningful percentages of these reference values per daily serving.

Nutri-Leaf formulas featuring this ingredient

Supplements containing Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3).

Vitamin B Complex

Nutri-Leaf

Vitamin B Complex

1 capsule per dayHPMC vegetable capsule

~~€18,99~~€14,11

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Frequently asked questions

Your questions about Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) and quality.

Both nicotinamide and nicotinic acid are forms of vitamin B3 (niacin), but they have different effects. Nicotinic acid causes a temporary “niacin flush” — a warm, tingling, red sensation on the skin — because it triggers vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). Nicotinamide does not cause this flush. Nicotinamide is also more stable in supplement formulations and is the preferred form for general B-complex supplements. Both forms are converted into the essential coenzymes NAD and NADP in the body. Our Vitamin B Complex uses nicotinamide for optimal tolerability.
The EU Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for vitamin B3 (niacin) is 16 mg NE (Niacin Equivalents) per day. Our Vitamin B Complex provides 16 mg of nicotinamide per serving — 100% NRV. The NRV is expressed as “NE” because the body can also produce niacin from the amino acid tryptophan, so 1 mg NE = 1 mg niacin or 60 mg tryptophan. Our 16 mg nicotinamide provides the full daily reference value directly, without relying on tryptophan conversion.
Vitamin B3 (as nicotinamide) contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, as recognised by EFSA. At a cellular level, nicotinamide supports NAD production, which is essential for cellular energy metabolism and DNA repair in skin cells. It also helps maintain the skin barrier function. For this reason, nicotinamide is a popular ingredient in both oral supplements and topical skincare products. The 16 mg in our Vitamin B Complex provides the reference nutritional dose, supporting skin health from the inside out as part of a complete B vitamin profile.
While nicotinic acid (the other form of vitamin B3) has been used at much higher doses (500–2,000 mg daily) in clinical settings for lipid management, this is a pharmacological application — not a nutritional one. The 16 mg of nicotinamide in our Vitamin B Complex is a nutritional reference dose for maintaining general health, not a therapeutic level. Anyone interested in using B3 for cholesterol management should consult a healthcare professional, as high-dose nicotinic acid can have side effects.

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Nicotinamide — the well-tolerated B3 for energy, skin, and nerve health.

manufactured in Germany by an FSSC 22000 certified producer. Plant-based HPMC capsules. Free shipping from €49 across the EU.

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Free EU shipping from €49 · FSSC 22000-certified producer · Made in Germany · Plant-based capsules · Clean formulas

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Ingredient Nicotinamide

Vitamin B3 — essential for energy, skin, and nervous system function.

What is Nicotinamide?

EFSA-approved health benefits

Why we use Nicotinamide in Nutri-Leaf formulas

Products containing Nicotinamide

Nicotinamide — the non-flushing form of vitamin B3.

Benefits & research

Supplements containing Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3).

Vitamin B Complex

Guides about ingredients and nutrition.

Zinc and Selenium: The Dynamic Duo for Immune Health

How to Read a Supplement Label Like a Nutritionist

The Beginner’s Guide to Building a Daily Supplement Routine

Your questions about Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) and quality.

Nicotinamide — the well-tolerated B3 for energy, skin, and nerve health.

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