Niacin And Niacinamide Confusion!

By Nurse Mark with Dr. Myatt’s replies to reader inquiries.

We have written recently about both niacin and niacinamide – two different forms of one vitamin. The similarity in the names seems to be causing some confusion in our readers – as will be seen by these two recent inquiries and Dr. Myatt’s responses to them.

Rene recently wrote:

I have arthritis in my left knee.  I have had a total knee on the right knee and do not wish any more surgery if possible.  I take glucosamine with MSM.  I read on your site about nacinamide 1000iu TID and would like to try this but am a little concerned about the safety of such a large dose.  Some sites state that nacinamide can be damaging to the liver in high doses and some sites say it is just the nicotinic acid.  I need assurance that this large dose won’t hurt my liver.
Thank you, Rene

And Dr. Myatt replied: 

Niacin and niacinamide are different forms of a B vitamin.

I have never seen niacinamide cause elevated liver enzymes.

It is NIACIN that can sometimes cause this effect, although that is rare as well.

Niacinamide does not effect cholesterol levels the way niacin does.

I’m getting really great feedback from people who are using niacinamide for arthritis.

It also has a wonderful effect on memory.

Get the full story with references here: http://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/Niacinamide.htm

In Health,
Dr. Myatt

Then Ray wrote to ask:

hi! a question, I take 500 to 750 mg. of niacin a day. you talk about niacinamide for arthritis does both work the same or is one better than the other? I prefer the burn but if niacinamide is better than I’ll need to switch. thank you for your advice it’s appreciated.

To which Dr. Myatt answered:

Hi Ray:

Niacin is for lowering cholesterol and raising the “good cholesterol,” HDL. It works better than any drug for raising HDL.
Learn more here: http://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/niacin.htm

Niacinamide, a different form of the same vitamin, is the form used for arthritis and memory.
Learn more here: http://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/Niacinamide.htm

They are not interchangeable for these purposes.

Please feel free to use our website as a great, free, scientifically-based “look-’em-up” for a wide variety of health conditions plus information about vitamins, minerals, herbs and other natural remedies.

In Health,
Dr. Myatt

There you have it – even though they sound similar, Niacin And Niacinamide are very different forms of the same vitamin with very different effects and uses.

Hope that clears up any confusion for the rest of our readers!

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