What is Niacinamide?
This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 (niacin). It is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various biological processes. Niacinamide is widely recognized for its therapeutic and cosmetic benefits, particularly in dermatology. This article explores the mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and benefits of niacinamide. Other names include: 3-Pyridine Carboxamide, 3-Pyridinecarboxamide, Amide de l’Acide Nicotinique, B Complex Vitamin, Complexe de Vitamines B, Niacinamida, Niacinamide Ascorbate, Nicamid, Nicosedine, Nicotinamide, Nicotinic Acid Amide, Nicotylamidum, Pyridine-3-carboxamide, Vitamin B3, Vitamina B3, Vitamine B3.
Dermatological Benefits of Niacinamide
Anti-Aging Properties
Niacinamide is well-documented for its anti-aging effects. Clinical studies have demonstrated that topical application of niacinamide can significantly improve the appearance of aging facial skin. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness (yellowing). Moreover, it enhances skin elasticity1 3 7.
Skin Lightening
Niacinamide has been shown to decrease the transfer of melanosomes, which are responsible for skin pigmentation. This property makes it effective in treating conditions like melasma. Studies have found that niacinamide can reduce pigmentation and improve skin texture, making it a safer alternative to hydroquinone8.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects
Niacinamide possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for conditions like acne and rosacea. It also has antimicrobial effects, which further contribute to its therapeutic potential in dermatology4.
Other Clinical Applications
Chronic Kidney Disease
Niacinamide has been studied for its potential benefits in chronic kidney disease, particularly in reducing serum phosphorus levels in hemodialysis patients. It inhibits intestinal sodium/phosphorus transporters, leading to a significant reduction in serum phosphorus levels2.
Osteoarthritis
Preliminary studies suggest that niacinamide may have a role in the treatment of osteoarthritis. It has been shown to improve joint flexibility, reduce inflammation, and decrease the need for anti-inflammatory medications5.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
In patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), niacinamide has been evaluated for its ability to inhibit sirtuins, which are involved in disease progression. Although the results did not show a sustained inhibition of sirtuin activity, niacinamide was found to be safe and well-tolerated6.
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😳Does niacinamide reduce hyperpigmentation in conditions like melasma? 🍤Is niacinamide effective in reducing serum phosphorus levels in chronic kidney disease patients?Niacinamide Mechanisms of Action
Niacinamide exerts its effects through several biochemical pathways. It is known to control the NFκB-mediated transcription of signaling molecules by inhibiting the nuclear poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). This inhibition leads to various beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and photo-protective properties4. Additionally, niacinamide has been shown to decrease the expression of DKK-1, a protein that promotes hair follicle regression, thereby potentially enhancing hair growth10.
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🎡What is Niacinamide mechanism of action?Uses of Niacinamide
Anti-Aging and Skin Appearance Improvement
Niacinamide reduces fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness (yellowing), and improves skin elasticity2 5.
It helps in reducing the progression of skin aging and hyperpigmentation by restoring cellular NAD+ pool and enhancing skin barrier function3.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Niacinamide attenuates oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, protecting skin cells from damage caused by environmental stressors like particulate matter7 8.
It helps in repairing damaged DNA and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation8.
Antimicrobial and Antipruritic Effects
Niacinamide boosts antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in the skin, providing long-lasting protection against bacterial infections7.
It has antipruritic properties, making it effective in reducing itching and discomfort in various skin conditions1 10.
Sebostatic and Lightening Effects
Niacinamide has sebostatic properties, which help in controlling sebum production, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin1 10.
It also has skin-lightening effects, which can help in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out skin tone1 3.
Hair Growth and Anti-Hair Loss
Niacinamide enhances hair growth by preventing oxidative stress-induced cell senescence and premature catagen entry of hair follicles4.
Safety and Tolerability
Niacinamide is well-tolerated by the skin, with minimal irritation or sensitization even at higher concentrations used in cosmetic formulations9.
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💢What are the uses of Niacinamide? 🦵🏻Does niacinamide help in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out skin tone?Adverse Effects of Niacinamide
Gastrointestinal Issues
Common adverse effects include nausea, diarrhea, and gastroesophageal reflux1 2.
Dermatological Reactions
Niacinamide can cause acneiform rash and skin irritation1 9.
Ocular Effects
Niacin (nicotinic acid) has been associated with adverse ocular effects such as blurred vision, sicca syndromes, eyelid edema, and macular edema. These effects are reversible upon discontinuation of the drug5.
Hepatic Toxicity
Both unmodified and time-release preparations of niacin can cause liver toxicity. Time-release preparations are more frequently associated with hepatic toxicity compared to unmodified niacin7.
Thrombocytopenia
Niacinamide has been linked to an increased risk of thrombocytopenia, although this finding should be regarded with a low degree of certainty8.
Flushing
Niacin can cause significant flushing, which is a common side effect8.
Other Mild Side Effects
Mild side effects such as headaches have been reported1.
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🌀What are the adverse effects of Niacinamide? 🚨Is there a risk of thrombocytopenia associated with niacinamide use?How has Niacinamide Improved Patient Outcomes?
Improvement in COVID-19-Related Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Niacinamide was associated with a lower risk of renal replacement therapy (RRT) or death in patients with severe COVID-19-related AKI, particularly in those with KDIGO stage-2/3 AKI1.
Reduction in Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Niacinamide improved the global impact of osteoarthritis, increased joint flexibility, reduced inflammation, and allowed for a reduction in the use of standard anti-inflammatory medications2.
Reduction in Serum Phosphorus in Dialysis Patients
Niacinamide effectively reduced serum phosphorus levels in both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients, which is beneficial for managing hyperphosphatemia3 9 10.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Niacinamide was associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular events, including coronary artery revascularization, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and stroke in patients with coronary artery disease4 5.
No Significant Effect in Childhood Schizophrenia
Niacinamide did not show a significant difference in clinical outcomes for childhood schizophrenia compared to placebo6.
Mixed Results in High-Risk Vascular Disease Patients
In patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease, niacinamide did not significantly reduce the risk of major vascular events but was associated with an increased risk of serious adverse events, including disturbances in diabetes control and gastrointestinal issues7.
Safety and Tolerability in ADPKD
Niacinamide was found to be safe and well-tolerated in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), although no sustained inhibition of sirtuin activity or beneficial effects on efficacy measures were observed8.
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🩺How has Niacinamide improved patient outcomes?Common Complaints Associated with Niacinamide Use
Gastrointestinal Issues: Niacinamide use is commonly associated with gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, diarrhea, and gastroesophageal reflux1 3.
Skin Reactions: Users of niacinamide have reported skin-related side effects, including acneiform rash and red blotchiness1 2.
Headaches: Headaches are another frequently reported side effect of niacinamide use1.
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👩🏻Can niacinamide use lead to skin-related side effects such as red blotchiness and acneiform rash? 🧘What gastrointestinal issues are commonly associated with niacinamide use?Disclaimer
The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.
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