Niacin vs. Nicotinamide — What's the Difference?

Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is an organic compound and a form of vitamin B3, an essential human nutrient. It can be manufactured by plants and animals from the amino acid tryptophan.

Niacinamide or nicotinamide (NAM) is a form of vitamin B3 found in food and used as a dietary supplement and medication. As a supplement, it is used by mouth to prevent and treat pellagra (niacin deficiency).

A white crystalline acid, C6H5NO2, of the vitamin B complex that is found in meat, fish, legumes, and whole-grain foods and is used to treat and prevent pellagra. Also called nicotinic acid.

The amide of nicotinic acid (or niacin).

(vitamin) A water-soluble vitamin, a component of vitamin B complex, found in meat, yeast, and dairy products; it is essential to metabolism.

A B vitamin (vitamin B5) essential for the normal function of the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Called also nicotinic acid and antipellagra vitamin. Chemical formula C6H5NO2, chemically it is 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid.

A B vitamin essential for the normal function of the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract