Niacin (vitamin B3) is well known for the warm flushing sensation it can cause. Niacinamide, another form of vitamin B3, does not cause flushing and has been studied for its potential benefits in joint health.

A clinical study published in Inflammation Research (1996;45:330–334) followed 72 adults with osteoarthritis who received either:

  • A placebo, or

  • 3,000 mg/day of niacinamide for 12 weeks

Study Findings

  • Global arthritis scores worsened by 10% in the placebo group

  • Global arthritis scores improved by 29% in the niacinamide group

  • Pain levels did not significantly change, but those taking niacinamide were able to reduce their pain medications by 13%

  • The niacinamide group experienced a 22% reduction in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), a marker of inflammation

  • Joint mobility increased by 4.5 degrees on average

  • Some participants experienced mild gastrointestinal side effects

These findings suggest that niacinamide may support improvements in inflammation and joint function in individuals with osteoarthritis, even if pain scores do not dramatically change.

Educational only — not medical advice.