What is the Difference Between Nicotinamide and Nicotinamide Riboside?

Nicotinamide and nicotinamide riboside are both forms of vitamin B3, also known as niacin, which is an essential micronutrient for the body. They have distinct differences in their structure, function, and potential health benefits:

1. Structure: Nicotinamide is an amide of niacin, while nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a synthetic form of nicotinamide with a ribose molecule attached.
2. NAD+ Biosynthesis: Both nicotinamide and nicotinamide riboside are precursors of NAD+, a coenzyme essential for cellular biology and various metabolic redox reactions. Nicotinamide is more similar to NAD+ than niacin, which may explain its minimal side effect profile.
3. Health Benefits: Nicotinamide has been shown to have a minimal side effect profile and is considered the safest and most reliable oral catalyst for NAD+ production in the body. Nicotinamide riboside has been found to improve liver and brown adipose tissue function, while nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) improves cardiac function.
4. Side Effects: Nicotinamide has fewer side effects compared to niacin, which can cause skin flushing. Nicotinamide riboside has been evaluated in 13 published human trials without any severe side effects.

In summary, while both nicotinamide and nicotinamide riboside are forms of vitamin B3, they differ in their structure, function, and potential health benefits. Nicotinamide is more similar to NAD+ and has fewer side effects than niacin, while nicotinamide riboside has unique attributes and health benefits, such as improving liver and brown adipose tissue function.

Comparative Table: Nicotinamide vs Nicotinamide Riboside

Here is a table comparing the differences between Nicotinamide and Nicotinamide Riboside:

Nicotinamide is an amide of niacin, also known as niacinamide, and is more similar to NAD, which may explain its minimal side effect profile. Nicotinamide Riboside, on the other hand, is a synthetic form of nicotinamide with unique attributes and has limited applications. Both nicotinamide and nicotinamide riboside are forms of vitamin B3.