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Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) Level

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, in your blood. Nicotinamide supports energy production and DNA repair.

Quick summary

["Understanding your nicotinamide levels can help assess vitamin B3 status and metabolic health."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
4349-7
Short code
Nicotinamide Dose
Synonyms
Nicotinamide Dose
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms of vitamin B3 deficiency (such as fatigue, skin changes, or neurological issues), suspected metabolic disorders, or if you’re taking medications that may affect vitamin B3 metabolism. It may also be part of a broader nutritional assessment or monitoring for conditions like pellagra or certain genetic disorders.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is typically needed. You may have a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm. If you’re taking medications that interact with vitamin B3, let your provider know beforehand.

What the Results Mean

Results are compared to general reference ranges for healthy adults, but individual needs vary. Low levels may indicate poor absorption, dietary deficiencies, or certain metabolic conditions. High levels could suggest overconsumption or specific metabolic pathways.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test is less commonly used for routine screening but may be part of investigations for rare genetic disorders (e.g., methylmalonic acidemia), certain cancers (e.g., colorectal), or metabolic syndrome. It can also help evaluate long-term vitamin B3 status in patients on supplements.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Nicotinamide/NAD+ Measurement

Frequently asked questions

What causes low nicotinamide levels?
Low levels may result from inadequate dietary intake of vitamin B3 (found in meat, poultry, fish, and fortified foods), malabsorption issues, certain medications (e.g., anticonvulsants), or metabolic disorders that disrupt vitamin B3 metabolism. Chronic alcohol use can also deplete stores.
What causes high nicotinamide levels?
Elevated levels may occur with excessive vitamin B3 intake (e.g., megadoses of supplements), certain genetic mutations affecting metabolism, or in rare cases due to overproduction in metabolic pathways. High levels alone are less clinically significant unless part of a broader metabolic evaluation.
How often should this test be repeated?
Frequency depends on your clinical situation. If monitoring a known deficiency or metabolic condition, your provider may recommend periodic testing. For routine vitamin B3 assessment, this test is rarely repeated unless symptoms or lab trends suggest changes.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy