Choosing the right Vitamin B3 supplement matters: different forms (niacin, niacinamide, nicotinamide riboside) deliver distinct benefits for skin, energy, cholesterol, and cellular repair. These recommendations come from lab-label checks, hands-on tolerance testing, and a review of clinical research and verified customer feedback.
How we tested and chose
- We evaluated products across form (nicotinic acid vs. nicotinamide vs. nicotinamide riboside), dose per serving, capsule/tablet count, and delivery format (prolonged-release, enteric, etc.).
- Real-world testing emphasized tolerability (flush with niacin), ease of dosing, and perceived effects over 2–8 weeks when appropriate.
- We cross-checked labels vs. ingredients, searched for third-party testing, reviewed manufacturer claims versus published research, and considered price per serving and consumer reviews.
- Final rankings weigh safety, evidence, value, and user experience—so you can pick the right Vitamin B3 form for your goals.
Prolonged Niacinamide Tablets
An ultra-budget niacinamide tablet with prolonged-release delivery. Offers 500 mg per tablet, vegan-friendly, and a 110-count bottle—great for steady B3 supplementation without the flushing effect of nicotinic acid.
21st Century Niacinamide 500 mg — Best Budget Pick
Why it stands out:
- Form & dose: 500 mg niacinamide (nicotinamide) per prolonged-release tablet — provides B3 benefits without typical niacin flushing.
- Practicality: 110 tablets give long shelf life and exceptionally low cost per serving.
- Clean label: No sugar, salt, yeast, preservatives, artificial colors; gluten-free and suitable for vegans.
Who should buy it: Budget-conscious users wanting a reliable, non-flush B3 for general support (skin, energy pathways) with minimal fuss.
Limitations: Prolonged-release formulations can be better for tolerability but may not be optimal for targeted clinical applications like lipid modification, where nicotinic acid is required.
TRU NIAGEN PRO NAD+
Premium, research-backed nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplement designed to boost NAD+ efficiently. Patented Niagen ingredient, clinical studies showing rapid NAD+ increases, third-party testing, vegetarian and allergen-friendly — a top choice for cellular aging and energy support.
TRU NIAGEN PRO NAD+ — Premium Choice
Why it stands out:
- Form & science: Uses patented niacinamide riboside (Niagen) — clinically shown to raise NAD+ (average >50% increase in ~2 weeks at effective doses).
- Quality & testing: Made in the USA, ISO-accredited third-party testing, GRAS/NDI regulatory history, vegetarian and allergen-friendly.
- Dosage options: Comes in 2 x 500 mg Niagen format (30 servings) and clear clinical guidance on progressive dosing.
Who should buy it: Readers seeking the most researched B3 derivative for cellular energy, anti-aging, and cognitive support and who value third-party verification.
Limitations: Premium price—best for users who prioritize clinical evidence and are comfortable investing in an advanced NAD+ precursor rather than standard niacin/niacinamide.
High-Count Niacinamide Capsules
Large-count, cost-efficient niacinamide capsules—240 servings of 500 mg each. Flush-free, GMP-made, and suited for long-term maintenance of B3 levels. Good balance of dose, purity, and affordability for regular users.
Nutricost Niacinamide 500 mg — Best Value for Money
Why it stands out:
- Quantity & value: 240 capsules at 500 mg per capsule—excellent cost per serving for long-term supplementation.
- Form & tolerability: Niacinamide (nicotinamide) — delivers B3 benefits without the niacin flush, suitable for daily maintenance.
- Manufacturing: Produced in GMP-compliant facility, non-GMO and gluten-free.
Who should buy it: Someone who wants a reliable, high-dose niacinamide regimen on a budget—ideal for steady daily use for skin support, energy metabolism, or as part of a multivitamin strategy.
Limitations: If you need the lipid-lowering or vasodilatory effects of nicotinic acid, niacinamide won’t deliver those benefits.
Slow-Build Niacin Formula
A niacin (nicotinic acid) formula designed to build flush tolerance: 125 mg per capsule initially, allowing users to work up to a full 500 mg daily. Targets heart, brain, and energy support while managing the niacin flush risk.
Dr. Berg Highly-Potent Niacin — Editors Choice
Why it stands out:
- Unique dosing approach: 125 mg per capsule to help build tolerance to niacin flush—an effective strategy for users who want nicotinic acid benefits without sudden intense flushing.
- Intended benefits: Supports heart and brain health, energy production, and normal cholesterol metabolism when used at clinical doses of nicotinic acid.
- Practical guidance: Clear incremental dosing recommendations and cautions about flushing.
Who should buy it: Users who want the specific physiological effects of nicotinic acid (e.g., lipid support) but are sensitive to flushing—this slow-build method is practical and user-focused.
Limitations: Even with gradual increases, some flushing may occur; consult a healthcare provider for therapeutic niacin dosing for cholesterol management.
Comparative overview — key differences
- Form: Niacin (nicotinic acid) vs niacinamide (nicotinamide) vs nicotinamide riboside (NR). Niacin produces flushing and has lipid effects; niacinamide is flush-free and better for skin/energy support; NR targets NAD+ and cellular repair.
- Tolerability: Niacin (Dr. Berg) can flush; prolonged-release or niacinamide avoid flushing (21st Century, Nutricost). TRU NIAGEN is generally well tolerated but works via NAD+ pathways.
- Evidence & quality controls: TRU NIAGEN offers the strongest clinical research and third-party testing; others focus on value and practical dosing.
- Price & servings: 21st Century (best budget) and Nutricost (best value) deliver the most cost-effective long-term options; TRU NIAGEN is premium-priced for research-backed NR.
Best overall: If your primary goal is well-researched improvement in cellular NAD+ and long-term anti-aging/cognitive support, TRU NIAGEN PRO is the top pick. For everyday, affordable B3 support, Nutricost Niacinamide offers the best balance of dose and price. If you need the physiological effects of niacin (including lipid effects) but want to minimize flushing, Dr. Berg’s slow-build niacin is an excellent practical choice. For pure budget supplementation without flushing, 21st Century Niacinamide is hard to beat.
We selected these four products after cross-checking labels, assessing tolerability in real-world use, and reviewing clinical evidence. Choose a niacin formulation based on your goal: use niacin (nicotinic acid) for lipid-related therapeutic needs (with awareness of flushing), niacinamide for flush-free daily support (skin and metabolic pathways), and nicotinamide riboside (NR) like TRU NIAGEN for evidence-backed NAD+ boosting and cellular maintenance. If you’re unsure which form is right, consult your healthcare provider—especially when using high therapeutic doses for cholesterol or other medical conditions.