What is the Difference Between Nicotinic Acid and Nicotinamide?

Nicotinic acid and nicotinamide are both forms of vitamin B3, but they have different molecular structures and effects on the body. The main differences between them include:

1. Flushing: Nicotinic acid can cause skin flushing, which is often accompanied by warmth and redness. This side effect usually goes away as the body gets acclimated, but it can be unpleasant. Nicotinamide, on the other hand, does not cause this skin flushing and has fewer adverse effects than nicotinic acid.
2. Lipid Profile Effects: Nicotinic acid can increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good") cholesterol levels by 10%–30% and reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol levels by 10%–25%. Nicotinamide does not have these effects because it does not bind to the receptors that mediate nicotinic acid's effects on lipid profiles.
3. Safety: High intakes of both nicotinic acid and nicotinamide taken as a dietary supplement or medication can have adverse effects, although their toxicity profiles are not the same. Nausea, vomiting, and signs of liver toxicity can occur with nicotinamide intakes of 3,000 mg/day.
4. Skin Health: Nicotinamide is being investigated for its potential to support skin health by controlling an overactive response by the body's immune system. This may help with acne, which is often caused by an overactive immune response towards the skin's natural bacteria.

In summary, nicotinic acid and nicotinamide are both forms of vitamin B3, but they have different molecular structures and effects on the body. Nicotinic acid can cause skin flushing and has an impact on lipid profiles, while nicotinamide does not cause flushing and may support skin health.

Comparative Table: Nicotinic Acid vs Nicotinamide

Here is a table comparing the differences between nicotinic acid and nicotinamide:

Nicotinic acid, also known as niacin, is used to treat high cholesterol, while nicotinamide is used to treat arthritis and pellagra. The key difference between the two is their chemical structure, with nicotinic acid having a carboxylic acid group and nicotinamide having an amide group.