Niacinamide
Thorne
Niacinamide
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(1868 ratings)
Niacin 500 mg
Score 90.0
Premium, high-quality Niacinamide from Thorne, excellent for general B3 benefits and skin without the flush, but at a higher price.
Quantity: 180 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Capsule(s) (180 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Heart Health
Skin Health
Energy
Metabolism Boost
leaderboard Score 90.0
Premium, high-quality Niacinamide from Thorne, excellent for general B3 benefits and skin without the flush, but at a higher price.
insights Analysis
Thorne Research Niacinamide 500mg exemplifies high-quality supplementation. Thorne is consistently praised by nutritionists and in online reviews for its rigorous testing, ingredient purity, and hypoallergenic formulations. This Niacinamide form effectively delivers Vitamin B3 benefits for skin health, energy production, and metabolic support without causing the uncomfortable 'niacin flush.' While its premium price point is higher than many competitors, users often find the investment worthwhile for the assurance of quality and efficacy. It's an excellent choice for individuals prioritizing purity and reliability, although those specifically seeking Niacin for therapeutic cholesterol management would still need to consider nicotinic acid.
- Exceptional brand reputation for purity, quality, and rigorous testing.
- Niacinamide form ensures no 'niacin flush', providing comfortable use.
- Optimal 500mg dose for general supplementation and targeted skin/metabolic support.
- Highly regarded by nutritionists and professional practitioners.
- Significantly higher price point per serving compared to most Niacinamide alternatives.
- Not the most effective form for therapeutic cholesterol lowering, which is a key application of Niacin.
$21.60($0.12 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 21.60 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 24.00 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Niacin is known as one of the most effective agents for increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. It can significantly raise HDL, which is often considered beneficial for cardiovascular health. However, studies have shown that this increase in HDL does not always translate to a reduction in cardiovascular events.
While Niacin can contribute to lowering LDL cholesterol, its primary effect on lipids is typically a more significant reduction in triglycerides and an increase in HDL cholesterol. For LDL reduction, it is generally considered less potent than statins and often used in conjunction with other lipid-lowering therapies if prescribed.
Yes, Niacin is highly effective at reducing elevated triglyceride levels. It achieves this by decreasing the liver's production of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), which is a precursor to triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. This makes it a common consideration for individuals with hypertriglyceridemia.
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is primarily recognized for its role in preventing and treating pellagra, a deficiency disease. In supplement form, it has been extensively studied for its effects on cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Its physiological functions include energy metabolism and DNA repair.
Niacin can be used in combination with statins to further improve lipid profiles, particularly to increase HDL and lower triglycerides. However, some studies have shown that adding Niacin to statin therapy does not consistently provide additional cardiovascular benefits and may increase the risk of side effects such as myopathy (muscle pain) when taken with certain statins. Medical supervision is essential for this combination.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
Nicotinic acid is the form most commonly associated with the 'niacin flush' and is often used at higher doses for specific health support under medical supervision. Niacinamide (nicotinamide) generally does not cause flushing and is often preferred for general vitamin B3 supplementation, though it has different metabolic effects compared to nicotinic acid. Their applications can differ significantly.
'Flush-free' niacin, often inositol hexanicotinate, is a form where niacin is chemically bound to inositol, a sugar-like compound. This bond leads to a slow, gradual release of niacin in the body, significantly reducing or eliminating the rapid vasodilation that causes the common flushing sensation. It's often chosen by individuals sensitive to the flush.
To minimize the niacin flush from immediate-release nicotinic acid, individuals can start with a very low dose and gradually increase it over time. Taking it with a non-fatty meal, avoiding hot beverages or alcohol around the time of dosing, and potentially taking aspirin 30 minutes beforehand (if medically appropriate and advised) can also help. Slow and steady increases in dosage are key.
Immediate-release niacin (nicotinic acid) is absorbed quickly, leading to a rapid peak effect and often a pronounced, but temporary, flush. Extended-release forms are designed to release niacin slowly over several hours, which can help reduce the intensity and duration of the flush and may allow for less frequent dosing. The slower release aims to improve tolerance.
Niacin is available in several forms, including nicotinic acid (immediate-release and extended-release), niacinamide (nicotinamide), and inositol hexanicotinate (often marketed as 'no-flush' niacin). Each form has distinct properties and effects within the body. The choice of form can influence how it is absorbed and its potential side effects.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
The niacin flush is a common side effect characterized by redness, itching, warmth, and tingling, primarily on the face, neck, and chest. It is caused by the release of prostaglandins, which dilate blood vessels. Taking niacin with food, starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it, or taking a low-dose aspirin before niacin may help reduce the flush.
High doses of niacin, particularly sustained-release forms, have been associated with elevated liver enzymes and, in rare cases, liver toxicity. Regular monitoring of liver function by a healthcare professional is often recommended when taking high-dose niacin. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions should avoid niacin unless specifically advised by a doctor.
Yes, niacin can interact with several medications. It may enhance the effects of blood pressure-lowering drugs, potentially causing hypotension, and can increase the risk of myopathy when taken with statins. Niacin might also interact with blood thinners, antidiabetic medications, and gout medications. Consulting a healthcare provider about all current medications before starting niacin is important.
Individuals with active liver disease, severe hypotension, active peptic ulcer disease, or active bleeding should generally avoid niacin supplements. Those with a history of gout, diabetes, or gallbladder disease should also use niacin with caution and under medical supervision. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential to determine suitability.
High doses of niacin, particularly nicotinic acid, can sometimes increase blood glucose levels. This effect is more pronounced in individuals with diabetes or prediabetes. People managing their blood sugar should monitor their levels closely if taking niacin and discuss its use with a healthcare provider.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Niacin | 500 mg |
Categories
Niacin 90.0
Thorne Niacinamide stands out for its unmatched quality and purity within the Niacin category, especially for a no-flush option. Its score is only marginally affected by its higher price and its specific form not being ideal for high-dose lipid management.
Goals
Skin Health 95.0
Thorne's high-quality Niacinamide is exceptionally effective for supporting skin health, reducing inflammation, and improving barrier function, making it a top choice recommended by professionals.
Energy 90.0
As a premium source of Niacinamide, it provides superior support for the metabolic pathways that convert food into cellular energy, ensuring optimal energy levels.
Metabolism Boost 90.0
Thorne's commitment to quality ensures that the Niacinamide is highly bioavailable, effectively supporting crucial metabolic functions and enzyme activity throughout the body.
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Delivers an outstandingly low price per serving for a 500mg Niacinamide, offering remarkable value compared to the premium price of Thorne.
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Offers an excellent balance of high quality, strong brand reputation, and significantly lower price per serving, making it an exceptional value alternative to Thorne.
88 Value
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★★★★★
(4628 ratings)
Provides a very good price per serving for a reputable Niacinamide product, offering solid quality and a more accessible price point than Thorne.
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Sustained-Release Niacin with niaXtend 500 mg
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4.7
★★★★★
(660 ratings)
While Thorne Niacinamide is premium, this sustained-release nicotinic acid offers a more direct approach to the 'Heart Health' goal by mitigating the flush and providing a more clinically studied form for lipid modulation, potentially making it 'better' for a broader range of the listed goals.
85 Performance
Niacin 500 mg
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4.6
★★★★★
(8550 ratings)
For individuals prioritizing cholesterol management as part of 'Heart Health,' this standard Niacin product from NOW provides a potent dose of nicotinic acid, which is more effective for lipid alteration than Niacinamide, making it 'better' for that specific purpose despite the flush.
90 Performance
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4.7
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(8865 ratings)
While Thorne offers top-tier purity, NOW provides comparable efficacy in its Niacinamide formulation with widespread positive reviews and accessibility, making it a 'better' practical choice for many consumers given its exceptional quality-to-price ratio.