Nicotinamide

Nicotinamide/Niacinamide is the amide form of Vitamin B3 (Niacin) It is an essential water-soluble vitamin that is not stored in the body. Nicotinamide and Niacinamide are exactly the same molecule i.e. a derivative of Vitamin B (Niacin). By convention Nicotinamide, as an ingredient, is usually used in the context of oral dietary supplements and Niacinamide is usually the term used as an ingredient in topical skincare products. 

Dietary sources of Nicotinamide include liver, meat, fish, green leafy vegetables, legumes, wheat, oats, yeast, mushrooms, nuts, milk, tea and coffee. Nicotinamide is essential for energy production in the cells and also plays an important role in DNA repair.

Multiple clinical studies that have been published in excellent peer-review journals have shown that Nicotinamide taken at a dosage of 1 gram per day can significantly reduce the incidence of actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous skin lesions) and non-melanoma skin cancer. It is therefore a very useful adjunctive treatment in persons who have sun-damaged skin and who have been diagnosed with actinic keratoses and non-melanoma skin cancer. However, it should not replace the normal sun avoidance, sun protection and regular use of high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreens. Clinical trials have shown that at a dosage of 1 gram per day, there are minimal side effects.

It is important to note that Nicotinamide should not be confused with Nicotinic acid which is another form of Niacin as when taken orally it will cause flushing. 

In Dietary Supplements (Capsules):

Dr Webster recommends:

• Dermastore® Nicotinamide Capsules 500mg
• Lamelle Nia-Sol Capsules