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Niacin, commonly referred to as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble nutrient that aids in our cells’ energy system. Basically, niacin helps turn carbs, fats, and proteins into energy that your body can use. It’s naturally present in many foods, including poultry, beef, fish, nuts and even marinara sauce, and most folks with well-balanced diets will meet the recommended dietary allowance as established by the Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine. (1) As the richest sources of niacin are meat and fish, folks following vegetarian or vegan diets may be on the lower end of niacin intake (and vitamin B in general) and may investigate upping their B3 levels with supplements. As a supplement, niacin may be effective for improving cholesterol, as some research points that it could play a role in lowering “bad” cholesterol while raising “good” cholesterol (2).
Additionally, there is some evidence that says niacin may also be good for skin health, though more studies are needed. (3) Some research suggests that niacin may help boost energy levels and work as a vasodilator, opening up blood vessels and increasing blood flow, which is why you may find niacin in some pre-workouts. (4) Before adding niacin to your daily supplement regimen, you should consult with a doctor — high doses of niacin may come with some side effects including nausea and a (generally harmless) red, tingling sensation known as niacin flush. (5) If niacin is right for you, there are a lot of supplements available on the market. With so many options, it’s important to know the differences between the available products, and we have a variety of the best niacin supplements on the market on this list.
Best Niacin Supplements
Editor’s Note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. When starting a new training regimen and/or diet, it is always a good idea to consult with a trusted medical professional. We are not a medical resource. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems or injuries. They are not substitutes for consulting a qualified medical professional.
Best Niacin Supplement Overall
Many take a vitamin B complex to help support overall cell function, potentially increasing energy levels, brain activity, and cell metabolism. This pick has 625 percent of your daily niacin needs and other B vitamin supplementation, and comes at a low cost.
Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
This supplement contains niacin as well as all seven other B vitamins in doses that exceed 100 percent of your recommended daily intake (RDI). Whether you’re pumping out double-days in the gym, or you simply aren’t getting enough vitamin B in your diet, this supplement can help keep your energy levels up. With no artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives, each capsule in this 30-capsule bottle packs in 100mg of niacin, which is 625 percent of your suggested daily intake.
10% Off
Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
Complete with a vegetarian-friendly tablet, Swolverine Vitamin B Complex offers well more than the RDI for each of the eight essential B vitamins — in only one tablet. Plus, it’s soy-free and non-GMO.
Along with the potential to boost your cells’ energy levels, the other B vitamins in this B complex may also help with hair, skin, and nail health, as well as immunity and brain function. This is a great option for those who don’t like taking too many pills at a time as this is only one pill per day and costs $0.56 cents per serving.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
Anyone who wants a supplement that includes all of the B vitamins in doses that are over 100 of your RDI.
Those who want a high dose of niacin (625 percent of your RDI), which may result in better cellular function.
Customers who only want to take one pill per serving.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
Folks who prefer to take their niacin in powder or liquid form instead of capsules.
Anyone who wants a niacin supplement that is purely niacin without any other added vitamins.
While niacin is an integral ingredient in this product, Swolverine Vitamin B complex includes all eight essential B vitamins at over 100 percent of your RDI, which can be key in and out of the gym.
Best Niacin Supplement for Pre-Workout
Niacin is often a key component in pre-workout due to its potential to increase blood flow to help you rip through heavier sets or longer cardio outputs. This pick has a solid dose of niacin, which isn’t present in every pre-workout on the market.
Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED
While you can take niacin separately from your pre-workout, this pre-workout combines niacin with other potentially helpful supplements like L-citrulline and beta-alanine. Niacin’s role in pre-workout is to potentially extend energy levels and help increase blood flow while you exercise.
Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged
A tasty pre-workout jam-packed with niacin and many other ingredients linked to power, blood flow, endurance, muscle pump, and focus, as well as antioxidants.
This particular pre-workout contains 30 mg of niacin, which is 150 percent of your daily value. Though when niacin is combined with beta-alanine like it is in this pre-workout, you may feel an extra tingle after you take your pre-workout, which some may not enjoy.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED
Athletes who want a pre-workout that contains niacin.
Anyone who wants to potentially extend high energy levels and increase blood flow during workouts.
Folks who prefer to take their niacin in powder form.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED
Customers who prefer a capsule or liquid for niacin supplementation.
Those who don’t like to experience a tingling sensation after they take their pre-workout.
Anyone looking for the least expensive option on the market — since this niacin is combined with other beneficial ingredients in a pre-workout, it’s more expensive overall.
For athletes who are looking to make the most of niacin’s potential to increase both energy levels and blood flow during workouts, this pre-workout provides a solid dose of niacin along with other workout-enhancing supplements to help fuel even your longest sessions.
Read our full review of Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED.
Best Niacin Sleep Supplement
Niacin is a multipurpose supplement and one of the potential benefits of taking it may be a better mood and a better night of sleep. This supplement not only contains niacin, but it also contains an array of other ingredients that may help promote a good night’s rest.
Onnit New Mood
Onnit New Mood is formulated to potentially help boost your mood through the synthesis of serotonin. This formula contains 5-HTP and l-tryptophan, which both can convert into serotonin — the feel-good brain chemical. It also contains over 100 percent of daily RDI of niacin and vitamin B6 which may help l-tryptophan turn into serotonin. (6)
Onnit New Mood
Onnit New Mood is formulate to improve mood and induce relaxation with serotonin boosting ingredients like 5-HTP and tryptophan. It also contains relaxing botanicals like Chamomile, Valerian Root, Lemon Balm, and Jujube
Serotonin is a mood-boosting chemical, and it may end up leaving you feeling less stressed and anxious, which may result in a better night’s sleep. This supplement also contains the ingredients valerian root and chamomile which can help you relax. A 60-count bottle will cost about $59.90, but a serving size is two pills, which means this is one of the more expensive options on this list.
Who Should Buy Onnit New Mood
Anyone who wants a supplement that may improve mood, and therefore sleep, will enjoy the addition of 5-HTP, tryptophan, and niacin in this supplement’s line-up.
Those who want a healthy dose of B vitamins will like that this contains over 100 percent of your RDI of vitamins B3 and B6.
Customers who want a supplement with B vitamins that can help with cellular function, as well as boost serotonin levels in the brain.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit New Mood
Folks who prefer to take their niacin in powder or liquid form instead of capsules.
Anyone who wants a straight niacin supplement can find a more straightforward option on the market.
Those on a budget — this is one of our more expensive options.
The combination of 5-HTP, tryptophan, B vitamins (like niacin), and soothing botanicals makes this product an excellent choice for those who may be looking to boost mood, find better stress management and potentially gain a better night’s sleep.
Best Niacin Powder
If you’re on the hunt for niacin in its purest form, niacin powder should be a consideration. It’s worth noting this pick only contains niacin — nothing else.
BulkSupplements Niacin
Niacin powder is ideal for those who are looking to hit a specific number in their niacin intake or want to build their own pre-workout by portioning niacin out on their own — both of which you should consult your doctor before doing.
BulkSupplements Niacin
BulkSupplements Niacin is an easy and clean purchase as it comes in 100-gram up to 5-kilogram packages, and it’s free of sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and other dilating additives.
BulkSupplements Niacin is an easy purchase as it comes in 100-gram up to 5-kilogram packages, and it’s clean of sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and other dilating additives. This product is great to buy in bulk, and though the powder is flavorless, it does incorporate well into water, which makes it easy to take on the go.
Who Should Buy BulkSupplements Niacin
Athletes who want to create their own pre-workout with a pure dose of niacin.
Folks who need a specific dosage of niacin each day and are trying to hit a specific number.
Those who prefer to take a niacin powder in its purest form.
Who Shouldn’t Buy BulkSupplements Niacin
Those who don’t want a powder supplement that may have a tangy aftertaste.
Anyone who’s looking for a product that contains other supplements in addition to niacin.
While this product isn’t the best tasting, nor does it contain any other supplements in addition to niacin, this standalone powder can still be quite useful in building your own pre-workout or hitting specific niacin dosage numbers daily.
Best Niacin for Slow Release
If you’re looking for an extended-release niacin supplement, you’ll want something that is encapsulated — the body takes longer to break through the capsule and therefore longer to digest the niacin. This pick comes in a 200-tablet bottle.
ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
ENDUR-ACIN is made of a proprietary vegetable-based wax matrix that melts at body temperature and releases nutrients in the same way your body processes food. This supplement will break down over a six- to eight-hour period, allowing your body to fully process the nutrients, which decreases both niacin flush and the amount of niacin that gets eliminated through urine.
ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
ENDUR-ACIN Extended Release niacin tablets are designed to provide a steady delivery of niacin over six hours to cut down on the flushed feeling or stomach pain some folks suffer when using niacin. Their product includes a vegetable wax matrix intended to ensure a slow and steady release of niacin.
It’s worth noting that these tablets are fairly large, so some users may prefer to buy smaller tablets that offer a smaller dosage, or opt for powder or liquid supplements entirely if swallowing is of concern.
Who Should Buy ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
Folks who are looking to avoid niacin flush and want to fully absorb all the nutrients in their supplement.
Anyone who wants their niacin to last longer and process over a six to eight-hour period.
Customers who prefer to take their niacin in tablet form.
Who Shouldn’t Buy ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
Those looking for a cost-effective niacin supplement — ENDUR-ACIN checks in as one of the more expensive brands.
Anyone who has difficulty swallowing large tablets.
Though slightly more expensive than most niacin, this product’s perk is its slow release, which allows your body to absorb all of the nutrients in the tablet, eliminating flush and extending the potential energy-boosting and performance-enhancing effects of the supplement.
Best Bulk Niacin Supplement
Sometimes it makes financial sense to buy more than just one pack of pre-workout or one bottle of niacin capsules. For anyone who may want to buy a few years’ worth of niacin in one go, this pick comes in up to 5 kg bags.
BulkSupplements Niacin
This powder niacin comes in bags that range from 100 grams up to 5 kilograms, which means you could stock your shelves with up to 1,000 doses of niacin in one shopping trip. The powder is flavorless and free of additives — plus, it mixes seamlessly with water.
BulkSupplements Niacin
BulkSupplements Niacin is an easy and clean purchase as it comes in 100-gram up to 5-kilogram packages, and it’s free of sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and other dilating additives.
While there are no other supplements outside of niacin in this option, it’s still very effective on its own. This is an ideal pick for those who want to take their niacin in its purest form in one straight shot, no frills involved.
Who Should Buy BulkSupplements Niacin
Those who want a product that offers one of the purest forms of niacin on the market.
Anyone looking for a cost-effective way to stock up on their niacin.
Customers who may need to measure out specific sizes of niacin if there’s a need to change their dosing.
Who Shouldn’t Buy BulkSupplements Niacin
Athletes who prefer a great-tasting way to consume their niacin.
Folks who prefer taking niacin via liquid or capsule.
Anyone who wants their niacin already combined with other vitamins and minerals in one supplement.
Though this pure niacin powder may not be the best-tasting option on the market, BulkSupplements Niacin offers an affordable way to stock up on your niacin supplement for years to come.
Benefits of Niacin
Niacin has the potential to boost your nervous and digestive system health, as well as your athletic performance. It’s a vitamin (vitamin B3, specifically) that’s made and used by our bodies to help turn food into energy. As far as overall health is concerned, niacin has been tied to lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL), though it’s not going to be a cure-all for cholesterol levels (if you have concerns about yours, you should speak to your healthcare provider). It may also help promote skin health and brain function.
When it comes to athletic performance, niacin may increase energy levels by helping your body turn carbs, fats, and proteins into a viable energy source you can use. Niacin also acts as a vasodilator, opening your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily, which can potentially lead to better performance in the gym. This, however, may also cause niacin flush, which is a tingling feeling in your extremities that some people do not enjoy.
How We Chose the Best Niacin Supplements
Though niacin may seem fairly straightforward as far as supplements go, it can actually come in many different forms and at various price points. Here’s how we were able to put together this all-inclusive list of some of the best options out there today.
Form
Niacin typically comes in either a capsule or powder form, and there are pros and cons to each. Capsules have a slower release as the body has to break through the capsule to get to the niacin, which means there’s enough time for the nutrients to fully absorb without causing flush. However, capsules can be tricky to swallow for some who don’t like dealing with large tablets.
Image via Shutterstock / Sayan Puangkham
Powder on the other hand is easy to digest since you can simply mix it in water and drink, but it’s also much quicker to take effect on the body, which means you may experience niacin flush. We realize that these pros and cons can mean different things to different people, so we were sure to include some of the highest qualities of each on this list to suit varying needs.
Price
While niacin as a whole is fairly inexpensive, there are some products that are more expensive than others. For example, slow-release niacin is easier on your body, and that typically comes with a higher price tag. The same goes for pre-workouts containing niacin as they hold many other supplements with performance benefits, as well. We’ve included options from both the high and low end of the price range on this list, none of which skimp on the quality of the niacin.
Ingredients
Niacin can come in both its pure form and combined with other B vitamins or pre-workout ingredients that affect energy and performance. A B complex is going to have niacin mixed in with a good number of other B vitamins to target your overall health instead of just energy and blood flow. Pre-workouts will have added ingredients like BCAAs and L-citrulline that may help boost performance in a workout, especially when combined with niacin.
Image via Shutterstock / Maria Shipakina
While these mixes may be ideal for some, others may want niacin in its purest form to meet an exact dosage requirement. We’ve included high-quality picks with other ingredients included and picks with just pure niacin to meet most customers’ needs.
How Much Do Nicain Supplements Cost?
Since niacin is a fairly common B vitamin the supplements are fairly cost-effective products that you can add to your stack without putting a large dent in your bank account. The notable exceptions are combination products such as pre-workouts and sleep supplements that include niacin in addition to other ingredients.
Best Niacin Supplement Overall
Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
$16.99
Per serving: $0.57
Best Niacin Supplement for Pre-Workout
Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED
$44.99
Per serving: $2.25
Best Niacin Sleep Supplement
Onnit New Mood
$29.95
Per serving: $0.99
Best Niacin Powder
BulkSupplements Niacin
$28.96
Per serving: $0.15
Best Niacin for Slow Release
ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
$26.99
Per serving: $0.13
Best Bilk Niacin Supplement
BulkSupplements Niacin
$28.96
Per serving: $0.15
On our list of high-quality niacin supplements, you can expect to pay somewhere between $15 and $45 for a container with the higher end of the price range being combination products. The price per serving varies from around $0.13 to as high as $2.25. Once again the niacin-only products are on the cheaper end of the spectrum.
What to Consider Before Buying Niacin
Niacin has been tied to improving cholesterol health and helping your body process energy effectively. However, before introducing any supplement into your diet, it’s wise to consult with a medical professional about what may be the best option for your needs. With niacin in particular, there are a few aspects you’ll want to consider before investing in any one product.
Niacin Flush
Niacin flush refers to the flushed sensation a lot of people experience when taking niacin. This red feeling can cause your extremities to tingle anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the dosage and the individual. Some people enjoy the feeling, perhaps finding comfort in knowing that it’s working. Others, however, look to avoid this flushed feeling, and take lower doses or find extended-release versions of niacin that slow the rate at which niacin is absorbed by the body.
Transparency
When shopping for any vitamin or supplement, you’ll want to read the labels for ingredient transparency. If the product comes with additional preservatives, coloring, or other additives, the company should tell you that.
Image via Shutterstock / photo_gonzo
While some customers may not mind having artificial ingredients in their niacin supplements, it may turn others off. Being able to read a label, see the ingredients, and decide for yourself is key.
Powder or Capsule
For some folks, powdered niacin may be more affordable or versatile, as it’s easier to adjust the serving amount. For others, however, taking a capsule may be more convenient. Powder tends to give more of a niacin flush while some capsules provide a slow release to avoid niacin flush. There really is no “better” or “worse” when it comes to forms of niacin — it’s all about personal preference. So consider your wellness and/or fitness routine, think about when you intend to take niacin, and plan accordingly.
When Should I Take Niacin?
Niacin can be taken at any time of the day. However, it is best consumed with food to help reduce niacin flush. More specifically, if you’re taking slow-release niacin, it’s best to take it before bed, so the niacin has time to absorb while you are asleep. And if you are taking niacin in your pre-workout, it’s best to take it 30 to 60 minutes before you hit the gym, so the niacin’s potential energy-boosting effects are fresh for your lifting session.
Final Word
Before starting on a niacin regimen — or any supplement regimen for that matter — it is important to check in with a medical professional to make sure it’s a good option for you. Once you’ve decided on niacin, you’ll want to consider the form you wish to take it in and how it will fit into your supplement regimen. If you know you’ll be taking a steady amount of niacin, it may be worth investing in the more expensive slow-release pills to avoid the niacin flush. Or, if you know your main reason for taking niacin is to potentially boost your performance in the gym, a pre-workout with niacin may be for you.
Niacin can have many benefits for those who take it properly and consistently. However, you never want to take more than you should, thinking a higher dose will provide more of an energy boost or increased blood flow. Be sure to follow a medical professional’s dosage recommendations no matter how you choose to incorporate niacin into your daily routine.
FAQs
Is niacin good for you?It depends on the person. You should always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplementation. But generally speaking, niacin has the potential to increase energy and blood flow. In some studies, it’s been tied to lowering bad cholesterol and improving circulation, but it should not be seen as a replacement for medicine or cure for any medical condition.
What is the best niacin supplement?Niacin can be found either on its own or in many supplement formulas from B-complexes to pre-workouts and even sleep supplements. What constitutes the best niacin supplement will depend heavily on what you are seeking to gain from taking niacin but our favorite at the moment is Swolverine Vitamin B-Complex thanks to its winning formula of a blend of different B vitamins that provides a hearty dose of 100mg of niacin with other B’s to support hair, skin, nails, energy, and more.
How much do niacin supplements cost?Niacin, since it is a naturally occurring and rather common B vitamin is fairly inexpensive on its own but the prices can climb higher when included in formulas like pre-workouts or sleep supplements. On the cheaper end at around $0.10 to $0.60 per serving you’ll find standalone niacin supplements with formulas for pre-workouts and sleep supplements on the higher end around $1.00 to $2.25 per serving.
Does niacin have side effects?Niacin can cause niacin flush — a tingling feeling in your extremities — as it acts as a vaso-dilator. The tingling happens as the niacin works to open your blood vessels to help promote better blood flow.
When should I take niacin?Niacin can be taken at any time of the day. However, it is best consumed with food to help reduce niacin flush. If you’re taking a slow release niacin, it’s best to take it before bed so the niacin has time to absorb while you are asleep. And if you are taking niacin in your pre-workout, it’s best to take it 30 to 60 minutes before you hit the gym.
References
Office of Dietary Supplements – Niacin. Nih.gov. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Niacin-HealthProfessional/#h2. Published 2017.
McKenney J. New Perspectives on the Use of Niacin in the Treatment of Lipid Disorders. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2004;164(7):697.
Damian DL. Photoprotective effects of nicotinamide. Photochemical & photobiological sciences?: Official journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology. 2010;9(4):578-585.
Ruparelia, N., Digby, J. E., & Choudhury, R. P. (2011, January). Effects of niacin on atherosclerosis and vascular function. Current opinion in cardiology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3145140/.
Kamanna VS, Kashyap ML. Mechanism of action of niacin. The American journal of cardiology. 2008;101(8A):20B-26B.
Birdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Aug;3(4):271-80. PMID: 9727088.
Niacin, commonly referred to as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble nutrient that aids in our cells’ energy system. Basically, niacin helps turn carbs, fats, and proteins into energy that your body can use. It’s naturally present in many foods, including poultry, beef, fish, nuts and even marinara sauce, and most folks with well-balanced diets will meet the recommended dietary allowance as established by the Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine. (1) As the richest sources of niacin are meat and fish, folks following vegetarian or vegan diets may be on the lower end of niacin intake (and vitamin B in general) and may investigate upping their B3 levels with supplements. As a supplement, niacin may be effective for improving cholesterol, as some research points that it could play a role in lowering “bad” cholesterol while raising “good” cholesterol (2).
Additionally, there is some evidence that says niacin may also be good for skin health, though more studies are needed. (3) Some research suggests that niacin may help boost energy levels and work as a vasodilator, opening up blood vessels and increasing blood flow, which is why you may find niacin in some pre-workouts. (4) Before adding niacin to your daily supplement regimen, you should consult with a doctor — high doses of niacin may come with some side effects including nausea and a (generally harmless) red, tingling sensation known as niacin flush. (5) If niacin is right for you, there are a lot of supplements available on the market. With so many options, it’s important to know the differences between the available products, and we have a variety of the best niacin supplements on the market on this list.
Best Niacin Supplements
Editor’s Note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. When starting a new training regimen and/or diet, it is always a good idea to consult with a trusted medical professional. We are not a medical resource. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems or injuries. They are not substitutes for consulting a qualified medical professional.
Best Niacin Supplement Overall
Many take a vitamin B complex to help support overall cell function, potentially increasing energy levels, brain activity, and cell metabolism. This pick has 625 percent of your daily niacin needs and other B vitamin supplementation, and comes at a low cost.
Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
This supplement contains niacin as well as all seven other B vitamins in doses that exceed 100 percent of your recommended daily intake (RDI). Whether you’re pumping out double-days in the gym, or you simply aren’t getting enough vitamin B in your diet, this supplement can help keep your energy levels up. With no artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives, each capsule in this 30-capsule bottle packs in 100mg of niacin, which is 625 percent of your suggested daily intake.
10% Off
Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
Complete with a vegetarian-friendly tablet, Swolverine Vitamin B Complex offers well more than the RDI for each of the eight essential B vitamins — in only one tablet. Plus, it’s soy-free and non-GMO.
Along with the potential to boost your cells’ energy levels, the other B vitamins in this B complex may also help with hair, skin, and nail health, as well as immunity and brain function. This is a great option for those who don’t like taking too many pills at a time as this is only one pill per day and costs $0.56 cents per serving.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
Best Niacin Supplement for Pre-Workout
Niacin is often a key component in pre-workout due to its potential to increase blood flow to help you rip through heavier sets or longer cardio outputs. This pick has a solid dose of niacin, which isn’t present in every pre-workout on the market.
Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED
While you can take niacin separately from your pre-workout, this pre-workout combines niacin with other potentially helpful supplements like L-citrulline and beta-alanine. Niacin’s role in pre-workout is to potentially extend energy levels and help increase blood flow while you exercise.
Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged
A tasty pre-workout jam-packed with niacin and many other ingredients linked to power, blood flow, endurance, muscle pump, and focus, as well as antioxidants.
This particular pre-workout contains 30 mg of niacin, which is 150 percent of your daily value. Though when niacin is combined with beta-alanine like it is in this pre-workout, you may feel an extra tingle after you take your pre-workout, which some may not enjoy.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED
Read our full review of Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED.
Best Niacin Sleep Supplement
Niacin is a multipurpose supplement and one of the potential benefits of taking it may be a better mood and a better night of sleep. This supplement not only contains niacin, but it also contains an array of other ingredients that may help promote a good night’s rest.
Onnit New Mood
Onnit New Mood is formulated to potentially help boost your mood through the synthesis of serotonin. This formula contains 5-HTP and l-tryptophan, which both can convert into serotonin — the feel-good brain chemical. It also contains over 100 percent of daily RDI of niacin and vitamin B6 which may help l-tryptophan turn into serotonin. (6)
Onnit New Mood
Onnit New Mood is formulate to improve mood and induce relaxation with serotonin boosting ingredients like 5-HTP and tryptophan. It also contains relaxing botanicals like Chamomile, Valerian Root, Lemon Balm, and Jujube
Serotonin is a mood-boosting chemical, and it may end up leaving you feeling less stressed and anxious, which may result in a better night’s sleep. This supplement also contains the ingredients valerian root and chamomile which can help you relax. A 60-count bottle will cost about $59.90, but a serving size is two pills, which means this is one of the more expensive options on this list.
Who Should Buy Onnit New Mood
Best Niacin Powder
If you’re on the hunt for niacin in its purest form, niacin powder should be a consideration. It’s worth noting this pick only contains niacin — nothing else.
BulkSupplements Niacin
Niacin powder is ideal for those who are looking to hit a specific number in their niacin intake or want to build their own pre-workout by portioning niacin out on their own — both of which you should consult your doctor before doing.
BulkSupplements Niacin
BulkSupplements Niacin is an easy and clean purchase as it comes in 100-gram up to 5-kilogram packages, and it’s free of sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and other dilating additives.
BulkSupplements Niacin is an easy purchase as it comes in 100-gram up to 5-kilogram packages, and it’s clean of sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and other dilating additives. This product is great to buy in bulk, and though the powder is flavorless, it does incorporate well into water, which makes it easy to take on the go.
Who Should Buy BulkSupplements Niacin
Best Niacin for Slow Release
If you’re looking for an extended-release niacin supplement, you’ll want something that is encapsulated — the body takes longer to break through the capsule and therefore longer to digest the niacin. This pick comes in a 200-tablet bottle.
ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
ENDUR-ACIN is made of a proprietary vegetable-based wax matrix that melts at body temperature and releases nutrients in the same way your body processes food. This supplement will break down over a six- to eight-hour period, allowing your body to fully process the nutrients, which decreases both niacin flush and the amount of niacin that gets eliminated through urine.
ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
ENDUR-ACIN Extended Release niacin tablets are designed to provide a steady delivery of niacin over six hours to cut down on the flushed feeling or stomach pain some folks suffer when using niacin. Their product includes a vegetable wax matrix intended to ensure a slow and steady release of niacin.
It’s worth noting that these tablets are fairly large, so some users may prefer to buy smaller tablets that offer a smaller dosage, or opt for powder or liquid supplements entirely if swallowing is of concern.
Who Should Buy ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
Best Bulk Niacin Supplement
Sometimes it makes financial sense to buy more than just one pack of pre-workout or one bottle of niacin capsules. For anyone who may want to buy a few years’ worth of niacin in one go, this pick comes in up to 5 kg bags.
BulkSupplements Niacin
This powder niacin comes in bags that range from 100 grams up to 5 kilograms, which means you could stock your shelves with up to 1,000 doses of niacin in one shopping trip. The powder is flavorless and free of additives — plus, it mixes seamlessly with water.
BulkSupplements Niacin
BulkSupplements Niacin is an easy and clean purchase as it comes in 100-gram up to 5-kilogram packages, and it’s free of sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and other dilating additives.
While there are no other supplements outside of niacin in this option, it’s still very effective on its own. This is an ideal pick for those who want to take their niacin in its purest form in one straight shot, no frills involved.
Who Should Buy BulkSupplements Niacin
Benefits of Niacin
Niacin has the potential to boost your nervous and digestive system health, as well as your athletic performance. It’s a vitamin (vitamin B3, specifically) that’s made and used by our bodies to help turn food into energy. As far as overall health is concerned, niacin has been tied to lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL), though it’s not going to be a cure-all for cholesterol levels (if you have concerns about yours, you should speak to your healthcare provider). It may also help promote skin health and brain function.
When it comes to athletic performance, niacin may increase energy levels by helping your body turn carbs, fats, and proteins into a viable energy source you can use. Niacin also acts as a vasodilator, opening your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily, which can potentially lead to better performance in the gym. This, however, may also cause niacin flush, which is a tingling feeling in your extremities that some people do not enjoy.
How We Chose the Best Niacin Supplements
Though niacin may seem fairly straightforward as far as supplements go, it can actually come in many different forms and at various price points. Here’s how we were able to put together this all-inclusive list of some of the best options out there today.
Form
Niacin typically comes in either a capsule or powder form, and there are pros and cons to each. Capsules have a slower release as the body has to break through the capsule to get to the niacin, which means there’s enough time for the nutrients to fully absorb without causing flush. However, capsules can be tricky to swallow for some who don’t like dealing with large tablets.
Image via Shutterstock / Sayan Puangkham
Powder on the other hand is easy to digest since you can simply mix it in water and drink, but it’s also much quicker to take effect on the body, which means you may experience niacin flush. We realize that these pros and cons can mean different things to different people, so we were sure to include some of the highest qualities of each on this list to suit varying needs.
Price
While niacin as a whole is fairly inexpensive, there are some products that are more expensive than others. For example, slow-release niacin is easier on your body, and that typically comes with a higher price tag. The same goes for pre-workouts containing niacin as they hold many other supplements with performance benefits, as well. We’ve included options from both the high and low end of the price range on this list, none of which skimp on the quality of the niacin.
Ingredients
Niacin can come in both its pure form and combined with other B vitamins or pre-workout ingredients that affect energy and performance. A B complex is going to have niacin mixed in with a good number of other B vitamins to target your overall health instead of just energy and blood flow. Pre-workouts will have added ingredients like BCAAs and L-citrulline that may help boost performance in a workout, especially when combined with niacin.
Image via Shutterstock / Maria Shipakina
While these mixes may be ideal for some, others may want niacin in its purest form to meet an exact dosage requirement. We’ve included high-quality picks with other ingredients included and picks with just pure niacin to meet most customers’ needs.
How Much Do Nicain Supplements Cost?
Since niacin is a fairly common B vitamin the supplements are fairly cost-effective products that you can add to your stack without putting a large dent in your bank account. The notable exceptions are combination products such as pre-workouts and sleep supplements that include niacin in addition to other ingredients.
Best Niacin Supplement Overall
Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
$16.99
Per serving: $0.57
Best Niacin Supplement for Pre-Workout
Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED
$44.99
Per serving: $2.25
Best Niacin Sleep Supplement
Onnit New Mood
$29.95
Per serving: $0.99
Best Niacin Powder
BulkSupplements Niacin
$28.96
Per serving: $0.15
Best Niacin for Slow Release
ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
$26.99
Per serving: $0.13
Best Bilk Niacin Supplement
BulkSupplements Niacin
$28.96
Per serving: $0.15
On our list of high-quality niacin supplements, you can expect to pay somewhere between $15 and $45 for a container with the higher end of the price range being combination products. The price per serving varies from around $0.13 to as high as $2.25. Once again the niacin-only products are on the cheaper end of the spectrum.
What to Consider Before Buying Niacin
Niacin has been tied to improving cholesterol health and helping your body process energy effectively. However, before introducing any supplement into your diet, it’s wise to consult with a medical professional about what may be the best option for your needs. With niacin in particular, there are a few aspects you’ll want to consider before investing in any one product.
Niacin Flush
Niacin flush refers to the flushed sensation a lot of people experience when taking niacin. This red feeling can cause your extremities to tingle anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the dosage and the individual. Some people enjoy the feeling, perhaps finding comfort in knowing that it’s working. Others, however, look to avoid this flushed feeling, and take lower doses or find extended-release versions of niacin that slow the rate at which niacin is absorbed by the body.
Transparency
When shopping for any vitamin or supplement, you’ll want to read the labels for ingredient transparency. If the product comes with additional preservatives, coloring, or other additives, the company should tell you that.
Image via Shutterstock / photo_gonzo
While some customers may not mind having artificial ingredients in their niacin supplements, it may turn others off. Being able to read a label, see the ingredients, and decide for yourself is key.
Powder or Capsule
For some folks, powdered niacin may be more affordable or versatile, as it’s easier to adjust the serving amount. For others, however, taking a capsule may be more convenient. Powder tends to give more of a niacin flush while some capsules provide a slow release to avoid niacin flush. There really is no “better” or “worse” when it comes to forms of niacin — it’s all about personal preference. So consider your wellness and/or fitness routine, think about when you intend to take niacin, and plan accordingly.
When Should I Take Niacin?
Niacin can be taken at any time of the day. However, it is best consumed with food to help reduce niacin flush. More specifically, if you’re taking slow-release niacin, it’s best to take it before bed, so the niacin has time to absorb while you are asleep. And if you are taking niacin in your pre-workout, it’s best to take it 30 to 60 minutes before you hit the gym, so the niacin’s potential energy-boosting effects are fresh for your lifting session.
Final Word
Before starting on a niacin regimen — or any supplement regimen for that matter — it is important to check in with a medical professional to make sure it’s a good option for you. Once you’ve decided on niacin, you’ll want to consider the form you wish to take it in and how it will fit into your supplement regimen. If you know you’ll be taking a steady amount of niacin, it may be worth investing in the more expensive slow-release pills to avoid the niacin flush. Or, if you know your main reason for taking niacin is to potentially boost your performance in the gym, a pre-workout with niacin may be for you.
Niacin can have many benefits for those who take it properly and consistently. However, you never want to take more than you should, thinking a higher dose will provide more of an energy boost or increased blood flow. Be sure to follow a medical professional’s dosage recommendations no matter how you choose to incorporate niacin into your daily routine.
FAQs
Is niacin good for you?It depends on the person. You should always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplementation. But generally speaking, niacin has the potential to increase energy and blood flow. In some studies, it’s been tied to lowering bad cholesterol and improving circulation, but it should not be seen as a replacement for medicine or cure for any medical condition.
What is the best niacin supplement?Niacin can be found either on its own or in many supplement formulas from B-complexes to pre-workouts and even sleep supplements. What constitutes the best niacin supplement will depend heavily on what you are seeking to gain from taking niacin but our favorite at the moment is Swolverine Vitamin B-Complex thanks to its winning formula of a blend of different B vitamins that provides a hearty dose of 100mg of niacin with other B’s to support hair, skin, nails, energy, and more.
How much do niacin supplements cost?Niacin, since it is a naturally occurring and rather common B vitamin is fairly inexpensive on its own but the prices can climb higher when included in formulas like pre-workouts or sleep supplements. On the cheaper end at around $0.10 to $0.60 per serving you’ll find standalone niacin supplements with formulas for pre-workouts and sleep supplements on the higher end around $1.00 to $2.25 per serving.
Does niacin have side effects?Niacin can cause niacin flush — a tingling feeling in your extremities — as it acts as a vaso-dilator. The tingling happens as the niacin works to open your blood vessels to help promote better blood flow.
When should I take niacin?Niacin can be taken at any time of the day. However, it is best consumed with food to help reduce niacin flush. If you’re taking a slow release niacin, it’s best to take it before bed so the niacin has time to absorb while you are asleep. And if you are taking niacin in your pre-workout, it’s best to take it 30 to 60 minutes before you hit the gym.
References
Office of Dietary Supplements – Niacin. Nih.gov. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Niacin-HealthProfessional/#h2. Published 2017.
McKenney J. New Perspectives on the Use of Niacin in the Treatment of Lipid Disorders. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2004;164(7):697.
Damian DL. Photoprotective effects of nicotinamide. Photochemical & photobiological sciences?: Official journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology. 2010;9(4):578-585.
Ruparelia, N., Digby, J. E., & Choudhury, R. P. (2011, January). Effects of niacin on atherosclerosis and vascular function. Current opinion in cardiology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3145140/.
Kamanna VS, Kashyap ML. Mechanism of action of niacin. The American journal of cardiology. 2008;101(8A):20B-26B.
Birdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Aug;3(4):271-80. PMID: 9727088.
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Additionally, there is some evidence that says niacin may also be good for skin health, though more studies are needed. (3) Some research suggests that niacin may help boost energy levels and work as a vasodilator, opening up blood vessels and increasing blood flow, which is why you may find niacin in some pre-workouts. (4) Before adding niacin to your daily supplement regimen, you should consult with a doctor — high doses of niacin may come with some side effects including nausea and a (generally harmless) red, tingling sensation known as niacin flush. (5) If niacin is right for you, there are a lot of supplements available on the market. With so many options, it’s important to know the differences between the available products, and we have a variety of the best niacin supplements on the market on this list.
Best Niacin Supplements
Editor’s Note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. When starting a new training regimen and/or diet, it is always a good idea to consult with a trusted medical professional. We are not a medical resource. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems or injuries. They are not substitutes for consulting a qualified medical professional.
Best Niacin Supplement Overall
Many take a vitamin B complex to help support overall cell function, potentially increasing energy levels, brain activity, and cell metabolism. This pick has 625 percent of your daily niacin needs and other B vitamin supplementation, and comes at a low cost.
Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
This supplement contains niacin as well as all seven other B vitamins in doses that exceed 100 percent of your recommended daily intake (RDI). Whether you’re pumping out double-days in the gym, or you simply aren’t getting enough vitamin B in your diet, this supplement can help keep your energy levels up. With no artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives, each capsule in this 30-capsule bottle packs in 100mg of niacin, which is 625 percent of your suggested daily intake.
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Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
Complete with a vegetarian-friendly tablet, Swolverine Vitamin B Complex offers well more than the RDI for each of the eight essential B vitamins — in only one tablet. Plus, it’s soy-free and non-GMO.
Along with the potential to boost your cells’ energy levels, the other B vitamins in this B complex may also help with hair, skin, and nail health, as well as immunity and brain function. This is a great option for those who don’t like taking too many pills at a time as this is only one pill per day and costs $0.56 cents per serving.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
Anyone who wants a supplement that includes all of the B vitamins in doses that are over 100 of your RDI.
Those who want a high dose of niacin (625 percent of your RDI), which may result in better cellular function.
Customers who only want to take one pill per serving.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
Folks who prefer to take their niacin in powder or liquid form instead of capsules.
Anyone who wants a niacin supplement that is purely niacin without any other added vitamins.
While niacin is an integral ingredient in this product, Swolverine Vitamin B complex includes all eight essential B vitamins at over 100 percent of your RDI, which can be key in and out of the gym.
Best Niacin Supplement for Pre-Workout
Niacin is often a key component in pre-workout due to its potential to increase blood flow to help you rip through heavier sets or longer cardio outputs. This pick has a solid dose of niacin, which isn’t present in every pre-workout on the market.
Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED
While you can take niacin separately from your pre-workout, this pre-workout combines niacin with other potentially helpful supplements like L-citrulline and beta-alanine. Niacin’s role in pre-workout is to potentially extend energy levels and help increase blood flow while you exercise.
Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged
A tasty pre-workout jam-packed with niacin and many other ingredients linked to power, blood flow, endurance, muscle pump, and focus, as well as antioxidants.
This particular pre-workout contains 30 mg of niacin, which is 150 percent of your daily value. Though when niacin is combined with beta-alanine like it is in this pre-workout, you may feel an extra tingle after you take your pre-workout, which some may not enjoy.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED
Athletes who want a pre-workout that contains niacin.
Anyone who wants to potentially extend high energy levels and increase blood flow during workouts.
Folks who prefer to take their niacin in powder form.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED
Customers who prefer a capsule or liquid for niacin supplementation.
Those who don’t like to experience a tingling sensation after they take their pre-workout.
Anyone looking for the least expensive option on the market — since this niacin is combined with other beneficial ingredients in a pre-workout, it’s more expensive overall.
For athletes who are looking to make the most of niacin’s potential to increase both energy levels and blood flow during workouts, this pre-workout provides a solid dose of niacin along with other workout-enhancing supplements to help fuel even your longest sessions.
Read our full review of Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED.
Best Niacin Sleep Supplement
Niacin is a multipurpose supplement and one of the potential benefits of taking it may be a better mood and a better night of sleep. This supplement not only contains niacin, but it also contains an array of other ingredients that may help promote a good night’s rest.
Onnit New Mood
Onnit New Mood is formulated to potentially help boost your mood through the synthesis of serotonin. This formula contains 5-HTP and l-tryptophan, which both can convert into serotonin — the feel-good brain chemical. It also contains over 100 percent of daily RDI of niacin and vitamin B6 which may help l-tryptophan turn into serotonin. (6)
Onnit New Mood
Onnit New Mood is formulate to improve mood and induce relaxation with serotonin boosting ingredients like 5-HTP and tryptophan. It also contains relaxing botanicals like Chamomile, Valerian Root, Lemon Balm, and Jujube
Serotonin is a mood-boosting chemical, and it may end up leaving you feeling less stressed and anxious, which may result in a better night’s sleep. This supplement also contains the ingredients valerian root and chamomile which can help you relax. A 60-count bottle will cost about $59.90, but a serving size is two pills, which means this is one of the more expensive options on this list.
Who Should Buy Onnit New Mood
Anyone who wants a supplement that may improve mood, and therefore sleep, will enjoy the addition of 5-HTP, tryptophan, and niacin in this supplement’s line-up.
Those who want a healthy dose of B vitamins will like that this contains over 100 percent of your RDI of vitamins B3 and B6.
Customers who want a supplement with B vitamins that can help with cellular function, as well as boost serotonin levels in the brain.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit New Mood
Folks who prefer to take their niacin in powder or liquid form instead of capsules.
Anyone who wants a straight niacin supplement can find a more straightforward option on the market.
Those on a budget — this is one of our more expensive options.
The combination of 5-HTP, tryptophan, B vitamins (like niacin), and soothing botanicals makes this product an excellent choice for those who may be looking to boost mood, find better stress management and potentially gain a better night’s sleep.
Best Niacin Powder
If you’re on the hunt for niacin in its purest form, niacin powder should be a consideration. It’s worth noting this pick only contains niacin — nothing else.
BulkSupplements Niacin
Niacin powder is ideal for those who are looking to hit a specific number in their niacin intake or want to build their own pre-workout by portioning niacin out on their own — both of which you should consult your doctor before doing.
BulkSupplements Niacin
BulkSupplements Niacin is an easy and clean purchase as it comes in 100-gram up to 5-kilogram packages, and it’s free of sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and other dilating additives.
BulkSupplements Niacin is an easy purchase as it comes in 100-gram up to 5-kilogram packages, and it’s clean of sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and other dilating additives. This product is great to buy in bulk, and though the powder is flavorless, it does incorporate well into water, which makes it easy to take on the go.
Who Should Buy BulkSupplements Niacin
Athletes who want to create their own pre-workout with a pure dose of niacin.
Folks who need a specific dosage of niacin each day and are trying to hit a specific number.
Those who prefer to take a niacin powder in its purest form.
Who Shouldn’t Buy BulkSupplements Niacin
Those who don’t want a powder supplement that may have a tangy aftertaste.
Anyone who’s looking for a product that contains other supplements in addition to niacin.
While this product isn’t the best tasting, nor does it contain any other supplements in addition to niacin, this standalone powder can still be quite useful in building your own pre-workout or hitting specific niacin dosage numbers daily.
Best Niacin for Slow Release
If you’re looking for an extended-release niacin supplement, you’ll want something that is encapsulated — the body takes longer to break through the capsule and therefore longer to digest the niacin. This pick comes in a 200-tablet bottle.
ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
ENDUR-ACIN is made of a proprietary vegetable-based wax matrix that melts at body temperature and releases nutrients in the same way your body processes food. This supplement will break down over a six- to eight-hour period, allowing your body to fully process the nutrients, which decreases both niacin flush and the amount of niacin that gets eliminated through urine.
ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
ENDUR-ACIN Extended Release niacin tablets are designed to provide a steady delivery of niacin over six hours to cut down on the flushed feeling or stomach pain some folks suffer when using niacin. Their product includes a vegetable wax matrix intended to ensure a slow and steady release of niacin.
It’s worth noting that these tablets are fairly large, so some users may prefer to buy smaller tablets that offer a smaller dosage, or opt for powder or liquid supplements entirely if swallowing is of concern.
Who Should Buy ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
Folks who are looking to avoid niacin flush and want to fully absorb all the nutrients in their supplement.
Anyone who wants their niacin to last longer and process over a six to eight-hour period.
Customers who prefer to take their niacin in tablet form.
Who Shouldn’t Buy ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
Those looking for a cost-effective niacin supplement — ENDUR-ACIN checks in as one of the more expensive brands.
Anyone who has difficulty swallowing large tablets.
Though slightly more expensive than most niacin, this product’s perk is its slow release, which allows your body to absorb all of the nutrients in the tablet, eliminating flush and extending the potential energy-boosting and performance-enhancing effects of the supplement.
Best Bulk Niacin Supplement
Sometimes it makes financial sense to buy more than just one pack of pre-workout or one bottle of niacin capsules. For anyone who may want to buy a few years’ worth of niacin in one go, this pick comes in up to 5 kg bags.
BulkSupplements Niacin
This powder niacin comes in bags that range from 100 grams up to 5 kilograms, which means you could stock your shelves with up to 1,000 doses of niacin in one shopping trip. The powder is flavorless and free of additives — plus, it mixes seamlessly with water.
BulkSupplements Niacin
BulkSupplements Niacin is an easy and clean purchase as it comes in 100-gram up to 5-kilogram packages, and it’s free of sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and other dilating additives.
While there are no other supplements outside of niacin in this option, it’s still very effective on its own. This is an ideal pick for those who want to take their niacin in its purest form in one straight shot, no frills involved.
Who Should Buy BulkSupplements Niacin
Those who want a product that offers one of the purest forms of niacin on the market.
Anyone looking for a cost-effective way to stock up on their niacin.
Customers who may need to measure out specific sizes of niacin if there’s a need to change their dosing.
Who Shouldn’t Buy BulkSupplements Niacin
Athletes who prefer a great-tasting way to consume their niacin.
Folks who prefer taking niacin via liquid or capsule.
Anyone who wants their niacin already combined with other vitamins and minerals in one supplement.
Though this pure niacin powder may not be the best-tasting option on the market, BulkSupplements Niacin offers an affordable way to stock up on your niacin supplement for years to come.
Benefits of Niacin
Niacin has the potential to boost your nervous and digestive system health, as well as your athletic performance. It’s a vitamin (vitamin B3, specifically) that’s made and used by our bodies to help turn food into energy. As far as overall health is concerned, niacin has been tied to lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL), though it’s not going to be a cure-all for cholesterol levels (if you have concerns about yours, you should speak to your healthcare provider). It may also help promote skin health and brain function.
When it comes to athletic performance, niacin may increase energy levels by helping your body turn carbs, fats, and proteins into a viable energy source you can use. Niacin also acts as a vasodilator, opening your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily, which can potentially lead to better performance in the gym. This, however, may also cause niacin flush, which is a tingling feeling in your extremities that some people do not enjoy.
How We Chose the Best Niacin Supplements
Though niacin may seem fairly straightforward as far as supplements go, it can actually come in many different forms and at various price points. Here’s how we were able to put together this all-inclusive list of some of the best options out there today.
Form
Niacin typically comes in either a capsule or powder form, and there are pros and cons to each. Capsules have a slower release as the body has to break through the capsule to get to the niacin, which means there’s enough time for the nutrients to fully absorb without causing flush. However, capsules can be tricky to swallow for some who don’t like dealing with large tablets.
Image via Shutterstock / Sayan Puangkham
Powder on the other hand is easy to digest since you can simply mix it in water and drink, but it’s also much quicker to take effect on the body, which means you may experience niacin flush. We realize that these pros and cons can mean different things to different people, so we were sure to include some of the highest qualities of each on this list to suit varying needs.
Price
While niacin as a whole is fairly inexpensive, there are some products that are more expensive than others. For example, slow-release niacin is easier on your body, and that typically comes with a higher price tag. The same goes for pre-workouts containing niacin as they hold many other supplements with performance benefits, as well. We’ve included options from both the high and low end of the price range on this list, none of which skimp on the quality of the niacin.
Ingredients
Niacin can come in both its pure form and combined with other B vitamins or pre-workout ingredients that affect energy and performance. A B complex is going to have niacin mixed in with a good number of other B vitamins to target your overall health instead of just energy and blood flow. Pre-workouts will have added ingredients like BCAAs and L-citrulline that may help boost performance in a workout, especially when combined with niacin.
Image via Shutterstock / Maria Shipakina
While these mixes may be ideal for some, others may want niacin in its purest form to meet an exact dosage requirement. We’ve included high-quality picks with other ingredients included and picks with just pure niacin to meet most customers’ needs.
How Much Do Nicain Supplements Cost?
Since niacin is a fairly common B vitamin the supplements are fairly cost-effective products that you can add to your stack without putting a large dent in your bank account. The notable exceptions are combination products such as pre-workouts and sleep supplements that include niacin in addition to other ingredients.
Best Niacin Supplement Overall
Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
$16.99
Per serving: $0.57
Best Niacin Supplement for Pre-Workout
Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED
$44.99
Per serving: $2.25
Best Niacin Sleep Supplement
Onnit New Mood
$29.95
Per serving: $0.99
Best Niacin Powder
BulkSupplements Niacin
$28.96
Per serving: $0.15
Best Niacin for Slow Release
ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
$26.99
Per serving: $0.13
Best Bilk Niacin Supplement
BulkSupplements Niacin
$28.96
Per serving: $0.15
On our list of high-quality niacin supplements, you can expect to pay somewhere between $15 and $45 for a container with the higher end of the price range being combination products. The price per serving varies from around $0.13 to as high as $2.25. Once again the niacin-only products are on the cheaper end of the spectrum.
What to Consider Before Buying Niacin
Niacin has been tied to improving cholesterol health and helping your body process energy effectively. However, before introducing any supplement into your diet, it’s wise to consult with a medical professional about what may be the best option for your needs. With niacin in particular, there are a few aspects you’ll want to consider before investing in any one product.
Niacin Flush
Niacin flush refers to the flushed sensation a lot of people experience when taking niacin. This red feeling can cause your extremities to tingle anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the dosage and the individual. Some people enjoy the feeling, perhaps finding comfort in knowing that it’s working. Others, however, look to avoid this flushed feeling, and take lower doses or find extended-release versions of niacin that slow the rate at which niacin is absorbed by the body.
Transparency
When shopping for any vitamin or supplement, you’ll want to read the labels for ingredient transparency. If the product comes with additional preservatives, coloring, or other additives, the company should tell you that.
Image via Shutterstock / photo_gonzo
While some customers may not mind having artificial ingredients in their niacin supplements, it may turn others off. Being able to read a label, see the ingredients, and decide for yourself is key.
Powder or Capsule
For some folks, powdered niacin may be more affordable or versatile, as it’s easier to adjust the serving amount. For others, however, taking a capsule may be more convenient. Powder tends to give more of a niacin flush while some capsules provide a slow release to avoid niacin flush. There really is no “better” or “worse” when it comes to forms of niacin — it’s all about personal preference. So consider your wellness and/or fitness routine, think about when you intend to take niacin, and plan accordingly.
When Should I Take Niacin?
Niacin can be taken at any time of the day. However, it is best consumed with food to help reduce niacin flush. More specifically, if you’re taking slow-release niacin, it’s best to take it before bed, so the niacin has time to absorb while you are asleep. And if you are taking niacin in your pre-workout, it’s best to take it 30 to 60 minutes before you hit the gym, so the niacin’s potential energy-boosting effects are fresh for your lifting session.
Final Word
Before starting on a niacin regimen — or any supplement regimen for that matter — it is important to check in with a medical professional to make sure it’s a good option for you. Once you’ve decided on niacin, you’ll want to consider the form you wish to take it in and how it will fit into your supplement regimen. If you know you’ll be taking a steady amount of niacin, it may be worth investing in the more expensive slow-release pills to avoid the niacin flush. Or, if you know your main reason for taking niacin is to potentially boost your performance in the gym, a pre-workout with niacin may be for you.
Niacin can have many benefits for those who take it properly and consistently. However, you never want to take more than you should, thinking a higher dose will provide more of an energy boost or increased blood flow. Be sure to follow a medical professional’s dosage recommendations no matter how you choose to incorporate niacin into your daily routine.
FAQs
Is niacin good for you?It depends on the person. You should always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplementation. But generally speaking, niacin has the potential to increase energy and blood flow. In some studies, it’s been tied to lowering bad cholesterol and improving circulation, but it should not be seen as a replacement for medicine or cure for any medical condition.
What is the best niacin supplement?Niacin can be found either on its own or in many supplement formulas from B-complexes to pre-workouts and even sleep supplements. What constitutes the best niacin supplement will depend heavily on what you are seeking to gain from taking niacin but our favorite at the moment is Swolverine Vitamin B-Complex thanks to its winning formula of a blend of different B vitamins that provides a hearty dose of 100mg of niacin with other B’s to support hair, skin, nails, energy, and more.
How much do niacin supplements cost?Niacin, since it is a naturally occurring and rather common B vitamin is fairly inexpensive on its own but the prices can climb higher when included in formulas like pre-workouts or sleep supplements. On the cheaper end at around $0.10 to $0.60 per serving you’ll find standalone niacin supplements with formulas for pre-workouts and sleep supplements on the higher end around $1.00 to $2.25 per serving.
Does niacin have side effects?Niacin can cause niacin flush — a tingling feeling in your extremities — as it acts as a vaso-dilator. The tingling happens as the niacin works to open your blood vessels to help promote better blood flow.
When should I take niacin?Niacin can be taken at any time of the day. However, it is best consumed with food to help reduce niacin flush. If you’re taking a slow release niacin, it’s best to take it before bed so the niacin has time to absorb while you are asleep. And if you are taking niacin in your pre-workout, it’s best to take it 30 to 60 minutes before you hit the gym.
References
Office of Dietary Supplements – Niacin. Nih.gov. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Niacin-HealthProfessional/#h2. Published 2017.
McKenney J. New Perspectives on the Use of Niacin in the Treatment of Lipid Disorders. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2004;164(7):697.
Damian DL. Photoprotective effects of nicotinamide. Photochemical & photobiological sciences?: Official journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology. 2010;9(4):578-585.
Ruparelia, N., Digby, J. E., & Choudhury, R. P. (2011, January). Effects of niacin on atherosclerosis and vascular function. Current opinion in cardiology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3145140/.
Kamanna VS, Kashyap ML. Mechanism of action of niacin. The American journal of cardiology. 2008;101(8A):20B-26B.
Birdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Aug;3(4):271-80. PMID: 9727088.
Niacin, commonly referred to as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble nutrient that aids in our cells’ energy system. Basically, niacin helps turn carbs, fats, and proteins into energy that your body can use. It’s naturally present in many foods, including poultry, beef, fish, nuts and even marinara sauce, and most folks with well-balanced diets will meet the recommended dietary allowance as established by the Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine. (1) As the richest sources of niacin are meat and fish, folks following vegetarian or vegan diets may be on the lower end of niacin intake (and vitamin B in general) and may investigate upping their B3 levels with supplements. As a supplement, niacin may be effective for improving cholesterol, as some research points that it could play a role in lowering “bad” cholesterol while raising “good” cholesterol (2).
Additionally, there is some evidence that says niacin may also be good for skin health, though more studies are needed. (3) Some research suggests that niacin may help boost energy levels and work as a vasodilator, opening up blood vessels and increasing blood flow, which is why you may find niacin in some pre-workouts. (4) Before adding niacin to your daily supplement regimen, you should consult with a doctor — high doses of niacin may come with some side effects including nausea and a (generally harmless) red, tingling sensation known as niacin flush. (5) If niacin is right for you, there are a lot of supplements available on the market. With so many options, it’s important to know the differences between the available products, and we have a variety of the best niacin supplements on the market on this list.
Best Niacin Supplements
Editor’s Note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. When starting a new training regimen and/or diet, it is always a good idea to consult with a trusted medical professional. We are not a medical resource. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems or injuries. They are not substitutes for consulting a qualified medical professional.
Best Niacin Supplement Overall
Many take a vitamin B complex to help support overall cell function, potentially increasing energy levels, brain activity, and cell metabolism. This pick has 625 percent of your daily niacin needs and other B vitamin supplementation, and comes at a low cost.
Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
This supplement contains niacin as well as all seven other B vitamins in doses that exceed 100 percent of your recommended daily intake (RDI). Whether you’re pumping out double-days in the gym, or you simply aren’t getting enough vitamin B in your diet, this supplement can help keep your energy levels up. With no artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives, each capsule in this 30-capsule bottle packs in 100mg of niacin, which is 625 percent of your suggested daily intake.
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Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
Complete with a vegetarian-friendly tablet, Swolverine Vitamin B Complex offers well more than the RDI for each of the eight essential B vitamins — in only one tablet. Plus, it’s soy-free and non-GMO.
Along with the potential to boost your cells’ energy levels, the other B vitamins in this B complex may also help with hair, skin, and nail health, as well as immunity and brain function. This is a great option for those who don’t like taking too many pills at a time as this is only one pill per day and costs $0.56 cents per serving.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
- Anyone who wants a supplement that includes all of the B vitamins in doses that are over 100 of your RDI.
- Those who want a high dose of niacin (625 percent of your RDI), which may result in better cellular function.
- Customers who only want to take one pill per serving.
- Folks who prefer to take their niacin in powder or liquid form instead of capsules.
- Anyone who wants a niacin supplement that is purely niacin without any other added vitamins.
Best Niacin Supplement for Pre-Workout
Niacin is often a key component in pre-workout due to its potential to increase blood flow to help you rip through heavier sets or longer cardio outputs. This pick has a solid dose of niacin, which isn’t present in every pre-workout on the market.
Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED
While you can take niacin separately from your pre-workout, this pre-workout combines niacin with other potentially helpful supplements like L-citrulline and beta-alanine. Niacin’s role in pre-workout is to potentially extend energy levels and help increase blood flow while you exercise.
Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged
A tasty pre-workout jam-packed with niacin and many other ingredients linked to power, blood flow, endurance, muscle pump, and focus, as well as antioxidants.
This particular pre-workout contains 30 mg of niacin, which is 150 percent of your daily value. Though when niacin is combined with beta-alanine like it is in this pre-workout, you may feel an extra tingle after you take your pre-workout, which some may not enjoy.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED
- Athletes who want a pre-workout that contains niacin.
- Anyone who wants to potentially extend high energy levels and increase blood flow during workouts.
- Folks who prefer to take their niacin in powder form.
- Customers who prefer a capsule or liquid for niacin supplementation.
- Those who don’t like to experience a tingling sensation after they take their pre-workout.
- Anyone looking for the least expensive option on the market — since this niacin is combined with other beneficial ingredients in a pre-workout, it’s more expensive overall.
Read our full review of Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED.
Best Niacin Sleep Supplement
Niacin is a multipurpose supplement and one of the potential benefits of taking it may be a better mood and a better night of sleep. This supplement not only contains niacin, but it also contains an array of other ingredients that may help promote a good night’s rest.
Onnit New Mood
Onnit New Mood is formulated to potentially help boost your mood through the synthesis of serotonin. This formula contains 5-HTP and l-tryptophan, which both can convert into serotonin — the feel-good brain chemical. It also contains over 100 percent of daily RDI of niacin and vitamin B6 which may help l-tryptophan turn into serotonin. (6)
Onnit New Mood
Onnit New Mood is formulate to improve mood and induce relaxation with serotonin boosting ingredients like 5-HTP and tryptophan. It also contains relaxing botanicals like Chamomile, Valerian Root, Lemon Balm, and Jujube
Serotonin is a mood-boosting chemical, and it may end up leaving you feeling less stressed and anxious, which may result in a better night’s sleep. This supplement also contains the ingredients valerian root and chamomile which can help you relax. A 60-count bottle will cost about $59.90, but a serving size is two pills, which means this is one of the more expensive options on this list.
Who Should Buy Onnit New Mood
- Anyone who wants a supplement that may improve mood, and therefore sleep, will enjoy the addition of 5-HTP, tryptophan, and niacin in this supplement’s line-up.
- Those who want a healthy dose of B vitamins will like that this contains over 100 percent of your RDI of vitamins B3 and B6.
- Customers who want a supplement with B vitamins that can help with cellular function, as well as boost serotonin levels in the brain.
- Folks who prefer to take their niacin in powder or liquid form instead of capsules.
- Anyone who wants a straight niacin supplement can find a more straightforward option on the market.
- Those on a budget — this is one of our more expensive options.
Best Niacin Powder
If you’re on the hunt for niacin in its purest form, niacin powder should be a consideration. It’s worth noting this pick only contains niacin — nothing else.
BulkSupplements Niacin
Niacin powder is ideal for those who are looking to hit a specific number in their niacin intake or want to build their own pre-workout by portioning niacin out on their own — both of which you should consult your doctor before doing.
BulkSupplements Niacin
BulkSupplements Niacin is an easy and clean purchase as it comes in 100-gram up to 5-kilogram packages, and it’s free of sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and other dilating additives.
BulkSupplements Niacin is an easy purchase as it comes in 100-gram up to 5-kilogram packages, and it’s clean of sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and other dilating additives. This product is great to buy in bulk, and though the powder is flavorless, it does incorporate well into water, which makes it easy to take on the go.
Who Should Buy BulkSupplements Niacin
- Athletes who want to create their own pre-workout with a pure dose of niacin.
- Folks who need a specific dosage of niacin each day and are trying to hit a specific number.
- Those who prefer to take a niacin powder in its purest form.
- Those who don’t want a powder supplement that may have a tangy aftertaste.
- Anyone who’s looking for a product that contains other supplements in addition to niacin.
Best Niacin for Slow Release
If you’re looking for an extended-release niacin supplement, you’ll want something that is encapsulated — the body takes longer to break through the capsule and therefore longer to digest the niacin. This pick comes in a 200-tablet bottle.
ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
ENDUR-ACIN is made of a proprietary vegetable-based wax matrix that melts at body temperature and releases nutrients in the same way your body processes food. This supplement will break down over a six- to eight-hour period, allowing your body to fully process the nutrients, which decreases both niacin flush and the amount of niacin that gets eliminated through urine.
ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
ENDUR-ACIN Extended Release niacin tablets are designed to provide a steady delivery of niacin over six hours to cut down on the flushed feeling or stomach pain some folks suffer when using niacin. Their product includes a vegetable wax matrix intended to ensure a slow and steady release of niacin.
It’s worth noting that these tablets are fairly large, so some users may prefer to buy smaller tablets that offer a smaller dosage, or opt for powder or liquid supplements entirely if swallowing is of concern.
Who Should Buy ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
- Folks who are looking to avoid niacin flush and want to fully absorb all the nutrients in their supplement.
- Anyone who wants their niacin to last longer and process over a six to eight-hour period.
- Customers who prefer to take their niacin in tablet form.
- Those looking for a cost-effective niacin supplement — ENDUR-ACIN checks in as one of the more expensive brands.
- Anyone who has difficulty swallowing large tablets.
Best Bulk Niacin Supplement
Sometimes it makes financial sense to buy more than just one pack of pre-workout or one bottle of niacin capsules. For anyone who may want to buy a few years’ worth of niacin in one go, this pick comes in up to 5 kg bags.
BulkSupplements Niacin
This powder niacin comes in bags that range from 100 grams up to 5 kilograms, which means you could stock your shelves with up to 1,000 doses of niacin in one shopping trip. The powder is flavorless and free of additives — plus, it mixes seamlessly with water.
BulkSupplements Niacin
BulkSupplements Niacin is an easy and clean purchase as it comes in 100-gram up to 5-kilogram packages, and it’s free of sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and other dilating additives.
While there are no other supplements outside of niacin in this option, it’s still very effective on its own. This is an ideal pick for those who want to take their niacin in its purest form in one straight shot, no frills involved.
Who Should Buy BulkSupplements Niacin
- Those who want a product that offers one of the purest forms of niacin on the market.
- Anyone looking for a cost-effective way to stock up on their niacin.
- Customers who may need to measure out specific sizes of niacin if there’s a need to change their dosing.
- Athletes who prefer a great-tasting way to consume their niacin.
- Folks who prefer taking niacin via liquid or capsule.
- Anyone who wants their niacin already combined with other vitamins and minerals in one supplement.
Benefits of Niacin
Niacin has the potential to boost your nervous and digestive system health, as well as your athletic performance. It’s a vitamin (vitamin B3, specifically) that’s made and used by our bodies to help turn food into energy. As far as overall health is concerned, niacin has been tied to lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL), though it’s not going to be a cure-all for cholesterol levels (if you have concerns about yours, you should speak to your healthcare provider). It may also help promote skin health and brain function.
When it comes to athletic performance, niacin may increase energy levels by helping your body turn carbs, fats, and proteins into a viable energy source you can use. Niacin also acts as a vasodilator, opening your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily, which can potentially lead to better performance in the gym. This, however, may also cause niacin flush, which is a tingling feeling in your extremities that some people do not enjoy.
How We Chose the Best Niacin Supplements
Though niacin may seem fairly straightforward as far as supplements go, it can actually come in many different forms and at various price points. Here’s how we were able to put together this all-inclusive list of some of the best options out there today.
Form
Niacin typically comes in either a capsule or powder form, and there are pros and cons to each. Capsules have a slower release as the body has to break through the capsule to get to the niacin, which means there’s enough time for the nutrients to fully absorb without causing flush. However, capsules can be tricky to swallow for some who don’t like dealing with large tablets.
Powder on the other hand is easy to digest since you can simply mix it in water and drink, but it’s also much quicker to take effect on the body, which means you may experience niacin flush. We realize that these pros and cons can mean different things to different people, so we were sure to include some of the highest qualities of each on this list to suit varying needs.
Price
While niacin as a whole is fairly inexpensive, there are some products that are more expensive than others. For example, slow-release niacin is easier on your body, and that typically comes with a higher price tag. The same goes for pre-workouts containing niacin as they hold many other supplements with performance benefits, as well. We’ve included options from both the high and low end of the price range on this list, none of which skimp on the quality of the niacin.
Ingredients
Niacin can come in both its pure form and combined with other B vitamins or pre-workout ingredients that affect energy and performance. A B complex is going to have niacin mixed in with a good number of other B vitamins to target your overall health instead of just energy and blood flow. Pre-workouts will have added ingredients like BCAAs and L-citrulline that may help boost performance in a workout, especially when combined with niacin.
While these mixes may be ideal for some, others may want niacin in its purest form to meet an exact dosage requirement. We’ve included high-quality picks with other ingredients included and picks with just pure niacin to meet most customers’ needs.
How Much Do Nicain Supplements Cost?
Since niacin is a fairly common B vitamin the supplements are fairly cost-effective products that you can add to your stack without putting a large dent in your bank account. The notable exceptions are combination products such as pre-workouts and sleep supplements that include niacin in addition to other ingredients.
Best Niacin Supplement Overall
Swolverine Vitamin B Complex
$16.99
Per serving: $0.57
Best Niacin Supplement for Pre-Workout
Kaged Muscle Pre-KAGED
$44.99
Per serving: $2.25
Best Niacin Sleep Supplement
Onnit New Mood
$29.95
Per serving: $0.99
Best Niacin Powder
BulkSupplements Niacin
$28.96
Per serving: $0.15
Best Niacin for Slow Release
ENDUR-ACIN Niacin
$26.99
Per serving: $0.13
Best Bilk Niacin Supplement
BulkSupplements Niacin
$28.96
Per serving: $0.15
On our list of high-quality niacin supplements, you can expect to pay somewhere between $15 and $45 for a container with the higher end of the price range being combination products. The price per serving varies from around $0.13 to as high as $2.25. Once again the niacin-only products are on the cheaper end of the spectrum.
What to Consider Before Buying Niacin
Niacin has been tied to improving cholesterol health and helping your body process energy effectively. However, before introducing any supplement into your diet, it’s wise to consult with a medical professional about what may be the best option for your needs. With niacin in particular, there are a few aspects you’ll want to consider before investing in any one product.
Niacin Flush
Niacin flush refers to the flushed sensation a lot of people experience when taking niacin. This red feeling can cause your extremities to tingle anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the dosage and the individual. Some people enjoy the feeling, perhaps finding comfort in knowing that it’s working. Others, however, look to avoid this flushed feeling, and take lower doses or find extended-release versions of niacin that slow the rate at which niacin is absorbed by the body.
Transparency
When shopping for any vitamin or supplement, you’ll want to read the labels for ingredient transparency. If the product comes with additional preservatives, coloring, or other additives, the company should tell you that.
While some customers may not mind having artificial ingredients in their niacin supplements, it may turn others off. Being able to read a label, see the ingredients, and decide for yourself is key.
Powder or Capsule
For some folks, powdered niacin may be more affordable or versatile, as it’s easier to adjust the serving amount. For others, however, taking a capsule may be more convenient. Powder tends to give more of a niacin flush while some capsules provide a slow release to avoid niacin flush. There really is no “better” or “worse” when it comes to forms of niacin — it’s all about personal preference. So consider your wellness and/or fitness routine, think about when you intend to take niacin, and plan accordingly.
When Should I Take Niacin?
Niacin can be taken at any time of the day. However, it is best consumed with food to help reduce niacin flush. More specifically, if you’re taking slow-release niacin, it’s best to take it before bed, so the niacin has time to absorb while you are asleep. And if you are taking niacin in your pre-workout, it’s best to take it 30 to 60 minutes before you hit the gym, so the niacin’s potential energy-boosting effects are fresh for your lifting session.
Final Word
Before starting on a niacin regimen — or any supplement regimen for that matter — it is important to check in with a medical professional to make sure it’s a good option for you. Once you’ve decided on niacin, you’ll want to consider the form you wish to take it in and how it will fit into your supplement regimen. If you know you’ll be taking a steady amount of niacin, it may be worth investing in the more expensive slow-release pills to avoid the niacin flush. Or, if you know your main reason for taking niacin is to potentially boost your performance in the gym, a pre-workout with niacin may be for you.
Niacin can have many benefits for those who take it properly and consistently. However, you never want to take more than you should, thinking a higher dose will provide more of an energy boost or increased blood flow. Be sure to follow a medical professional’s dosage recommendations no matter how you choose to incorporate niacin into your daily routine.
FAQs
Is niacin good for you?It depends on the person. You should always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplementation. But generally speaking, niacin has the potential to increase energy and blood flow. In some studies, it’s been tied to lowering bad cholesterol and improving circulation, but it should not be seen as a replacement for medicine or cure for any medical condition.
What is the best niacin supplement?Niacin can be found either on its own or in many supplement formulas from B-complexes to pre-workouts and even sleep supplements. What constitutes the best niacin supplement will depend heavily on what you are seeking to gain from taking niacin but our favorite at the moment is Swolverine Vitamin B-Complex thanks to its winning formula of a blend of different B vitamins that provides a hearty dose of 100mg of niacin with other B’s to support hair, skin, nails, energy, and more.
How much do niacin supplements cost?Niacin, since it is a naturally occurring and rather common B vitamin is fairly inexpensive on its own but the prices can climb higher when included in formulas like pre-workouts or sleep supplements. On the cheaper end at around $0.10 to $0.60 per serving you’ll find standalone niacin supplements with formulas for pre-workouts and sleep supplements on the higher end around $1.00 to $2.25 per serving.
Does niacin have side effects?Niacin can cause niacin flush — a tingling feeling in your extremities — as it acts as a vaso-dilator. The tingling happens as the niacin works to open your blood vessels to help promote better blood flow.
When should I take niacin?Niacin can be taken at any time of the day. However, it is best consumed with food to help reduce niacin flush. If you’re taking a slow release niacin, it’s best to take it before bed so the niacin has time to absorb while you are asleep. And if you are taking niacin in your pre-workout, it’s best to take it 30 to 60 minutes before you hit the gym.
References
Office of Dietary Supplements – Niacin. Nih.gov. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Niacin-HealthProfessional/#h2. Published 2017.
McKenney J. New Perspectives on the Use of Niacin in the Treatment of Lipid Disorders. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2004;164(7):697.
Damian DL. Photoprotective effects of nicotinamide. Photochemical & photobiological sciences?: Official journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology. 2010;9(4):578-585.
Ruparelia, N., Digby, J. E., & Choudhury, R. P. (2011, January). Effects of niacin on atherosclerosis and vascular function. Current opinion in cardiology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3145140/.
Kamanna VS, Kashyap ML. Mechanism of action of niacin. The American journal of cardiology. 2008;101(8A):20B-26B.
Birdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Aug;3(4):271-80. PMID: 9727088.
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