Vitamin B3 (Niacin; Nicotinamide)

This test measures your body's level of vitamin B3, also known as niacin or nicotinamide, an essential water-soluble vitamin that supports energy production, neurological function, healthy skin and normal DNA repair. It is suitable for anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, cognitive difficulties, skin problems, or digestive complaints, as well as those with restricted diets, malabsorption conditions, or a history of alcohol excess, all of which can lead to deficiency. It is also useful for monitoring people taking high-dose nicotinic acid for cholesterol management, where excess levels can cause flushing, liver stress or blood sugar changes.

The analysis is performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a highly sensitive and specific technique that accurately quantifies vitamin B3 in your blood.

What is measured
- Vitamin B3 (niacin; nicotinamide): the total circulating level of this essential vitamin, used to assess deficiency or excess.

Why it matters
Vitamin B3 is vital for converting food into usable energy and for maintaining healthy skin, nerves and digestion. Low levels can cause pellagra, a condition marked by dermatitis, diarrhoea and dementia, while mild deficiency may present as tiredness, irritability, poor concentration and skin rashes. Conversely, too much vitamin B3 from supplements can lead to flushing, itching, liver inflammation and raised blood sugar. Measuring your level helps identify whether your symptoms are related to vitamin B3 status, guides appropriate dietary or supplement adjustments, and supports safe monitoring if you are taking therapeutic doses.