Niacin and Niacinamide

Niacin and niacinamide are both forms of vitamin B3. The recommended dose for healthy hair growth is 20-500 mg/day. ⁴⁹

Dietary Sources of Niacin or Niacinamide

• Coffee ⁴⁹
• Dairy foods ⁴⁹
• Eggs ⁴⁹
• Fish ⁴⁹
• Fortified cereals ⁴⁹
• Grains and fortified breads ⁴⁹
• Legumes ⁴⁹
• Meat ⁴⁹
• Milk ²²²
• Nuts ⁴⁹
• Poultry ²²²
• Soy ⁴⁹
• Tea ⁴⁹
• Yeast ²²²

Physiological Effects and Benefits of Niacin and Niacinamide

• Vitamin B3 deficiency causes hair loss. ^{10, 32}
• A natural vasodilator, niacin can improve blood flow to hair follicles. ²²²
• Niacin is a common ingredient in creams and cosmetics as a moisturizer and for hair conditioning. ¹⁰
• Niacinamide is commonly used in shampoos and cosmetics as a moisturizer and for hair conditioning. ¹⁰
• In a study involving patients with female pattern hair loss, application of topical niacin derivatives improved hair growth. ¹⁰

Precaution

Note: if you have gout, experts recommend avoiding too much niacin (over 1,000 mg/day) because it may increase uric acid levels. Avoid time-released niacin supplements which may cause liver damage. ²²²