Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) Concentration in Serum or Plasma

What Nicotinamide Does in Your Body

Nicotinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a role in converting food into energy. It also helps maintain healthy skin, nerves, and the immune system. Your body produces some nicotinamide naturally, but you also get it from foods like meat, poultry, fish, and certain vegetables.

Why Your Doctor Might Order This Test

Your doctor may check your nicotinamide levels if you have symptoms like fatigue, skin issues, or digestive problems that could be linked to vitamin deficiencies. It can also be part of broader metabolic or nutritional assessments.

Potential Health Conditions

Low nicotinamide levels might be associated with conditions like pellagra (a rare but serious vitamin deficiency) or metabolic disorders. High levels could indicate overconsumption of supplements or certain medications.

Sample Collection and Preparation

This test requires a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is processed into either serum (after clotting) or plasma (anticoagulated). The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using a specialized method, likely immunoassay or enzymatic techniques.