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Nicotinamide

Background

  • Nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide) is chemically similar to niacin and, like niacin, is a form of vitamin B3. Nicotinamide and niacin are found in many foods, including vegetables, fruits, grains, meats, milk, and eggs.
  • Nicotinamide is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention and treatment of pellagra, a vitamin B3 deficiency disease characterized by diarrhea, dermatitis, neurodegeneration, and dementia.
  • Nicotinamide has been investigated for the prevention of type 1 diabetes. It is included in skin care products for the treatment of acne and UV-induced immune suppression, and in products intended to enhance appearance.

References

  1. Cabrera-Rode E, Molina G, Arranz C, et al. Effect of standard nicotinamide in the prevention of type 1 diabetes in first degree relatives of persons with type 1 diabetes. Autoimmunity 2006;39(4):333-340. View Abstract
  2. Chaplin DJ, Horsman MR, Aoki DS. Nicotinamide, Fluosol DA and Carbogen: a strategy to reoxygenate acutely and chronically hypoxic cells in vivo. Br J Cancer 1991;63(1):109-113. View Abstract
  3. Chen S, Lu X, Zhou G. Mild pemphigus foliaceus responding to combination therapy with niacinamide and tetracycline. Int J Dermatol 2003;42(12):981-982. View Abstract
  4. Crino A, Schiaffini R, Ciampalini P, et al. A two year observational study of nicotinamide and intensive insulin therapy in patients with recent onset type 1 diabetes mellitus. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2005;18(8):749-754. View Abstract
  5. Crino A, Schiaffini R, Manfrini S, et al. A randomized trial of nicotinamide and vitamin E in children with recent onset type 1 diabetes (IMDIAB IX). Eur J Endocrinol 2004;150(5):719-724. View Abstract
  6. Damian DL, Patterson CR, Stapelberg M, et al. UV radiation-induced immunosuppression is greater in men and prevented by topical nicotinamide. J Invest Dermatol 2008;128(2):447-454. View Abstract
  7. Elliott RB, Pilcher CC, Fergusson DM, et al. A population based strategy to prevent insulin-dependent diabetes using nicotinamide. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 1996;9(5):501-509. View Abstract
  8. Falsini B, Piccardi M, Iarossi G, et al. Influence of short-term antioxidant supplementation on macular function in age-related maculopathy: a pilot study including electrophysiologic assessment. Ophthalmology 2003;110(1):51-60. View Abstract
  9. Hakozaki T, Takiwaki H, Miyamoto K, et al. Ultrasound enhanced skin-lightening effect of vitamin C and niacinamide. Skin Res Technol 2006;12(2):105-113. View Abstract
  10. Hoskin PJ, Rojas AM, Phillips H, et al. Acute and late morbidity in the treatment of advanced bladder carcinoma with accelerated radiotherapy, carbogen, and nicotinamide. Cancer 2005;103(11):2287-2297. View Abstract
  11. Kamal M, Abbasy AJ, Muslemani AA. Effect of nicotinamide on newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic children. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2006;27(6):724-727. View Abstract
  12. Kjellen E, Joiner MC, Collier JM, et al. A therapeutic benefit from combining normobaric carbogen or oxygen with nicotinamide in fractionated X-ray treatments. Radiother Oncol 1991;22(2):81-91. View Abstract
  13. Niren NM, Torok HM. The Nicomide Improvement in Clinical Outcomes Study (NICOS): results of an 8-week trial. Cutis 2006;77(1 Suppl):17-28. View Abstract
  14. Powell ME, Hill SA, Saunders MI, et al. Human tumor blood flow is enhanced by nicotinamide and carbogen breathing. Cancer Res 1997;57(23):5261-5264. View Abstract
  15. Smid L, Lesnicar H, Zakotnik B, et al. Radiotherapy, combined with simultaneous chemotherapy with mitomycin C and bleomycin for inoperable head and neck cancer--preliminary report. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 1995;32(3):769-775. View Abstract
Disclaimer: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.