Vitamin B3 perspectives: Why so many forms; Niacin, Niacinamide, Nicotinamide riboside, NAD, NMN... what is the difference?

I am obsessed with longevity research, and if you’re into it too, you’ve probably heard the hype about the energy-boosting, DNA repairing, anti-ageing hero NAD. You may be bewildered though with the long list of NAD-associated players in the aging phenomenon like NMN, NR and niacin to name a few. I will attempt here to clear this up for you...

Firstly, if you haven't already, meet Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (AKA NAD).

This pivotal player in the aging phenomenon heavily influences the cellular biological trifector, energy production, DNA repair, and gene expression. Levels of this molecular powerhouse tend to drop as we age, and to counteract the decline, researchers have been focusing on compounds that boost NAD levels. Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), Niacinamide, and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) are NAD-boosting precursors that have attracted press lately, with NMN in particular, garnering significant attention through the anti-aging research of Harvard’s Professor David Sinclair, (not a light-weight in the longevity science realm if you’ve not heard of him).
So, let’s breakdown all the players…..

Niacin and nicotinic acid, are essentially the same thing, both Vitamin B3, a necessary nutrient that our bodies cant manufacture on its own. We need it to regulate our nervous and digestive systems, as well as cholesterol (raises HDL, reduces LDL). Niacin can sometimes produce flushing of the skin (known as a niacin -flush), a harmless though generally undesirable effect.

Niacinamide is the amide of niacin and is the same as nicotinamide, and are both forms of Vitamin B3, but slightly different to niacin. Niacinamide is great for your skin (see our Niacinamide blog), and doesn’t cause flushing, hence most commonly used in the cosmetics field.

Like niacinamide, NR is also a derivative of B3, however NMN is a nucleotide, an altogether different structure, derived from ribose and nicotinamide.

Regardless of the form however, all these B3 derivatives are precursors to NAD, and are small enough to pass into the cell and produce NAD (though NAD itself is too big a molecule to get into the cell, therefore we are reliant on these smaller precursors). Research shows however that both NR and NMN out perform the other derivatives when it comes to forming NAD in the cell, with NMN showing the most promise and bioavailability. There’s also evidence though, that all these forms work synergistically together to produce a greater result combined. To cover all bases and maximize results, I use a combination of niacinamide, NR and NMN in my products, such as my Brightening Serum as well as my Firming Eye Cream. Just to make sure I’m delivering the best skincare I possibly can!.

I love the B3 topic, and I’m always searching for latest information, as the research is always evolving…. I endeavour to keep you updated on these little longevity gems.

REFERENCES

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