For dyslipidemia, prescription nicotinic acid 1–3 g/day under supervision; not a self-care supplement dose
Reviewed · Published
Niacin
A precursor of NAD/NADP involved in energy metabolism and DNA repair.
Established functions
- A precursor of NAD/NADP involved in energy metabolism and DNA repair.
Dietary sources
- chicken
- bonito
- peanuts
Claims and evidence
Claims that Niacin alone prevents or treats disease, or invariably improves health without deficiency, are unsupported.
Japanese reference amounts
- Japanese adults (age and sex as specified): Adult men 13–15 mg NE/day; women 10–12 mg NE/day (RDA)
Amounts studied
- For dyslipidemia, prescription nicotinic acid 1–3 g/day under supervision; not a self-care supplement dose
Tolerable upper limits
- Adults: 250–350 mg/day depending on form, age, and sex
Forms and bioavailability
Supplement forms: nicotinic acid, nicotinamide
- Nicotinic acid has lipid effects and flushing; nicotinamide is not interchangeable.
Safety and interactions
Adverse effects
- flushing
- itching
- liver injury
- hyperglycemia
- raised uric acid
Medicine and nutrient interactions
- statins, antihypertensives, diabetes medicines, alcohol
Contraindications and cautions
- Avoid high doses with liver disease, active peptic ulcer, or gout.
Practical selection
- Compare Niacin amount per serving, form, allergens, and batch testing; prefer a single-ingredient product suited to the intended use.
Sources and review
- Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2025)Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan)
- NIH ODS vitamin fact sheetsNIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Daiki Minaki (editorial and evidence review) ·