From the Guidelines
Nicotinamide is generally the better choice as a supplement compared to Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) due to its better absorption, affordability, and established safety data. When considering supplements for general health maintenance or to address vitamin B3 deficiency, Nicotinamide stands out as a more practical option. A key factor is its ability to convert to NAD in the body, thereby supporting cellular energy production, DNA repair, and various metabolic processes 1.
Key Considerations
- Nicotinamide is more affordable and has a more established safety profile compared to NAD precursors like Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN).
- NAD itself is poorly absorbed when taken orally, which limits its effectiveness as a supplement.
- Nicotinamide has been shown to reduce ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced immunosuppression and has potential benefits in reducing the incidence of actinic keratosis (AK) and keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) in immunocompetent patients 1.
Dosage and Administration
A typical recommended dose of Nicotinamide is 500-1000mg daily, taken with food to minimize potential stomach upset. This dosage can support the conversion to NAD in the body, contributing to overall health and metabolic function.
Comparison with NAD Precursors
While NAD precursors like NR and NMN are available, they are generally more expensive and have less long-term safety data compared to Nicotinamide. The higher cost and potential absorption concerns make Nicotinamide a more appealing choice for those seeking to support their NAD levels and overall health through supplementation.
From the Research
Comparison of NAD and Nicotinamide as Supplements
- NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) are two related compounds that have been studied for their potential health benefits.
- Nicotinamide has been shown to increase NAD+ levels in the body, which is believed to have protective cellular effects and is a necessary cofactor for DNA repair 2.
- Studies have also investigated the use of Nicotinamide riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) as NAD+ intermediates, which may lead to greater increases in NAD+ levels compared to Nicotinamide 2.
- In terms of safety, Nicotinamide has been found to have a wide therapeutic index, but high doses may cause reversible hepatotoxicity and minor abnormalities of liver enzymes 3.
- Nicotinamide has also been shown to be well-tolerated and effective in the treatment of various skin diseases, including actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinomas, and basal cell carcinomas 4, 5.
Key Differences Between NAD and Nicotinamide
- NAD is a more direct supplement, as it is the actual molecule that is involved in various cellular processes.
- Nicotinamide, on the other hand, is a precursor to NAD+ and must be converted into NAD+ in the body.
- The efficacy of Nicotinamide in increasing NAD+ levels and providing health benefits is well-established, but the optimal dosage and potential side effects are still being studied 3, 5.
- In contrast, there is limited research on the direct supplementation of NAD, and more studies are needed to fully understand its effects and potential benefits 2, 6.
Potential Benefits and Risks of NAD and Nicotinamide Supplementation
- Both NAD and Nicotinamide may have potential benefits for overall health and wellness, including improving skin health, reducing the risk of certain diseases, and supporting cellular energy production 2, 4, 6.
- However, high doses of Nicotinamide may cause side effects, and the long-term effects of NAD supplementation are not yet fully understood 3, 5.
- Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and potential risks and benefits of both NAD and Nicotinamide supplementation 2, 6.