Nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide) is chemically similar to niacin and, like niacin, is a form of vitamin B3. Nicotinamide and niacin are found in many foods, including vegetables, fruits, grains, meats, milk, and eggs.
Nicotinamide is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention and treatment of pellagra, a vitamin B3 deficiency disease characterized by diarrhea, dermatitis, neurodegeneration, and dementia.
Nicotinamide has been investigated for the prevention of type 1 diabetes. It is included in skin care products for the treatment of acne and UV-induced immune suppression, and in products intended to enhance appearance.
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