Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion.  Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven.  Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand.  The below doses may not apply to all products.  You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy. 

Adults (over 18 years old)

The dietary reference intake established by the Food and Nutrition Board for niacin ranges from 14-18 milligrams niacin daily by mouth for adults, with an upper intake level of 35 milligrams daily by mouth.  Niacinamide and niacin are used in cosmetics, as well as hair and skin products.  The concentration of niacinamide varies from a low of 0.0001% in night preparations to a high of 3% in body and hand creams, lotions, powders, and sprays.  Niacin concentrations range from 0.01% in body and hand creams, lotions, powders, and sprays to 0.1% in paste masks (mud packs). 

For age-related macular disease (eye disease), 500 milligrams of immediate-release niacin has been taken by mouth. 

For preventing clogged arteries, 3,000-4,000 milligrams of niacin has been taken by mouth daily alone or in combination with other cholesterol therapy for 0.5-6.2 years. 

For heart disease, 0.125-12 grams of niacin has been taken by mouth daily for up to five years. 

For erectile dysfunction, 500-1,500 milligrams of niacin (Niaspan®) has been taken by mouth for 12 weeks. 

For high cholesterol, 300-1,2000 milligrams of niacin has been taken by mouth daily for 6-44 weeks as wax-matrix, immediate-release (crystalline); 2 grams of niacin has been injected into the vein over 11 hours.  The maximum recommended daily dose is 3 grams. 

For high cholesterol (in combination with statins or bile acid sequestrants) 500-4,000 milligrams of extended-release or regular niacin has been taken by mouth daily for eight weeks to 6.2 years.  Extended-or sustained-release niacin may be started at a dose of 500 milligrams daily and titrated up to 3 grams daily. 

For high cholesterol levels in HIV-infected patients 500-2,000 milligrams of extended-release niacin (Niaspan®) has been taken by mouth daily for 44 weeks to two years. 

For high blood phosphorous levels, a single 375 milligram dose of extended-release nicotinic acid has been taken by mouth. 

For osteoarthritis, 3 grams of niacinamide has been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks. 

For pellagra, or niacin deficiency, 50-1,000 milligrams of niacin has been taken by mouth daily. 

For skin conditions, 2-5% of niacinamide cream has been applied to the skin for up to 12 weeks. 

For type 1 diabetes mellitus prevention, 200-3,000 milligrams of niacinamide has been taken by mouth daily for up to one year; 20-40 milligrams per kilogram of niacinamide has been taken daily by mouth for up to one year and lacked evidence of benefit. 

For type 2 diabetes, 0.5 grams of nicotinamide has been taken by mouth three times daily for six months. 

Children (under 18 years old)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for niacin in children. 

For type 1 diabetes mellitus prevention, 200-3,000 milligrams of niacinamide has been taken by mouth daily for up to one year; 20-40 milligrams per kilogram has been taken by mouth daily for up to five years, and lacked evidence of benefit.