Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is part of the B complex—a group of water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cellular metabolism and energy production. It is called B3 because it was the third of the B complex vitamins to be discovered. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system, because of its ability to prevent pellagra, the vitamin B3 deficiency disease. Unlike the “flushing” niacin (nicotinic acid) form of vitamin B3, niacinamide does not cause flushing. Compounds with niacin activity are defined by their ability to contribute the nicotinamide (i.e., niacinamide) unit of an important molecule called NAD. NAD is found in every cell in the body. It's used to (1) make cellular energy (ATP), (2) protect cells from damage, and (3) activate processes linked to healthier aging. Research shows that as we age levels of some NAD metabolites (NAD⁺ as an example) decline substantially. This decline leaves us at greater risk for unhealthy aging because without sufficient NAD⁺ cells aren't able to do the work needed to perform at their best. Many healthy aging scientists and doctors believe maintaining higher levels of NAD⁺ is one of the keys to increasing the amount of time we spend in good health.*

Top Benefits of Niacinamide    

Supports energy metabolism*

Supports antioxidant defenses*

Supports healthy aging and longevity*

Qualia’s Niacinamide Sourcing

Niacinamide is a non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan ingredient.

Niacinamide Formulating Principles and Rationale

Vitamin B3, no matter the form, is subject to a dosing threshold (see Qualia Dosing Principles), which means, while more might be better within a low to moderate range, very high amounts would be unlikely to add significant additional nutritional or functional benefits for most people but could increase the risk of unwanted responses. As amounts of vitamin B3 increase, more gets wasted because it’s eliminated in the urine. This “wasting” increases as the serving escalates. For the niacinamide (i.e., non-flushing) form of vitamin B3, we think it’s important to consider the amount where a big increase in urinary elimination starts to occur and select a serving in this range (as opposed to substantially above it). Rather than trying to push the pathway that produces NAD with niacinamide alone, we think a better way, and a way that fits with complex systems science, is stacking it with other ingredients that support NAD production and recycling.* 

Niacinamide Key Mechanisms 

Precursor of NADH/NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)*

Supports breakdown of sugars and fats for energy* [1]

Supports mitochondrial production of ATP* [1]

NADH is part of complex I NADH/coenzyme Q reductase) of the mitochondrial electron transport chain* [2]

Precursor of NADPH/NADP+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate)*

NADPH is a key cofactor for cytochrome P450 enzymes that detoxify xenobiotics* [3]

NADPH is a cofactor for glutathione reductase, which maintains the levels of reduced glutathione - confers protection against oxidative stress* [4]

Essential for the functioning of a wide range of enzymes involved in redox reactions* [1]

Supports healthy aging and longevity*

Influences senescence, cell proliferation, and apoptosis* [1]

NAD+ is a substrate for sirtuins (SIRT1 to SIRT7), which promote healthspan* [5]

NAD+ is a substrate for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), which is involved in DNA repair and essential for genome stability* [5,6]

NAD+ supports mitochondrial function* [7,8]

NAD+ supports stem cell function* [8]

Supports neuroprotective functions* [9,10]

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

REFERENCES

[1] A. A. Sauve, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 324, 883–893 (2008).
[2] N. Pollak, C. Dölle, M. Ziegler, Biochem. J. 402, 205–218 (2007).
[3] A. V. Pandey, C. E. Flück, Pharmacol. Ther. 138, 229–254 (2013).
[4] G. Filomeni, G. Rotilio, M. R. Ciriolo, Biochem. Pharmacol. 64, 1057–1064 (2002).
[5] A. R. Mendelsohn, J. W. Larrick, Rejuvenation Res. 20, 244–247 (2017).
[6] J. B. Kirkland, Nutr. Cancer. 46, 110–118 (2003).
[7] L. Mouchiroud et al., Cell. 154, 430–441 (2013).
[8] H. Zhang et al., Science. 352, 1436–1443 (2016).
[9] P. K. Shetty, F. Galeffi, D. A. Turner, Neurobiol. Dis. 62, 469–478 (2014).
[10] M. R. Hoane, D. R. Gilbert, M. A. Holland, J. L. Pierce, Neurosci. Lett. 408, 35–39 (2006).