nicotinamide
Meaning of nicotinamide: Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that the body needs for energy production, distinct from niacin in that it does not cause flushing.
Definition of nicotinamide
Nicotinamide, also called niacinamide, is a form of vitamin B3, a water soluble vitamin the body needs in small amounts to build molecules that cells use to help generate energy from food. It is found in a wide range of plant and animal foods, and along with niacin, another form of vitamin B3, it helps prevent pellagra, a deficiency disease that can affect the skin, digestive system, and nervous system.
Unlike niacin, nicotinamide does not typically cause the temporary flushing and skin warmth that can occur with niacin supplementation, which makes it a preferred form for some supplemental uses. Nicotinamide is also used topically in some dermatologic products intended to help with acne and to support the skin's outer barrier.
Nicotinamide's effect on radiation sensitivity within tumor cells has also been studied as a way to potentially improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy for certain cancers.
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Used in a sentence
Topical nicotinamide was recommended as part of a skin care regimen for the patient's acne.
Good to know
Nicotinamide and niacin are both forms of vitamin B3 and treat the same underlying deficiency, but nicotinamide does not cause the flushing reaction associated with niacin, a distinction relevant when choosing between supplement forms.