What does nicotinamide mean?
Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and the chemical amide of nicotinic acid. It occurs naturally in foods and is also manufactured for use in dietary supplements, fortified foods, and topical skin products. In nutrition, it is valued as a readily available source of vitamin B3. In biochemical contexts, the name appears in compounds such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, nicotinamide mononucleotide, and nicotinamide riboside, all of which are involved in cellular processes. Although nicotinamide and nicotinic acid are often discussed together, they are chemically distinct forms of the same vitamin. The word is mainly used in scientific, medical, nutritional, and product-labeling contexts rather than in everyday conversation.
nounNicotinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3, chemically known as the amide of nicotinic acid. It is used as a vitamin supplement and is naturally present in foods such as meat, fish, grains, nuts, and dairy products.
- The amide form of vitamin B3, used as a nutrient, dietary supplement, and ingredient in topical skin products.
"Her dermatologist recommended nicotinamide to help improve the appearance of her skin."
"The supplement contains a high dose of nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3."
"Nicotinamide is sometimes added to topical products for its skin-supporting properties."
Usually used as a mass noun for the vitamin or chemical substance; the plural is uncommon and may refer to distinct molecules or formulations.
"The researchers compared the effects of two different nicotinamides."
Vitamin B3 has two best-known forms: one is an acid, and the other—nicotinamide—is its chemical twin with an amide group instead.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nicotinamide come from?
The name was formed in the early 20th century from nicotine or nicotinic acid, with the suffix -amide added in accordance with standard chemical terminology. The root nicotine was itself derived from the plant Nicotiana, named after Jean Nicot de Villemain, who introduced tobacco to France. Nicotinamide later became established as a distinct form of vitamin B3, alongside nicotinic acid.
How nicotinamide is actually used
The term is primarily technical or nutritional and is also used in biochemical and pharmaceutical names. It should not be used as though it were interchangeable with nicotinic acid, although both are forms of vitamin B3.
Easily confused with nicotinamide
Nicotinamide and nicotinic acid are both forms of vitamin B3, but nicotinamide is the amide form and nicotinic acid is the acid form.
Niacin commonly refers to vitamin B3 as a nutrient or supplement category, while nicotinamide specifically names the amide form of the vitamin.