HealthAugust 17, 2026

nicotinamide

nik-uh-TIN-uh-myd

Definition

A form of Vitamin B3 that serves as a precursor molecule the body uses to produce NAD+.

Etymology

The name is a portmanteau derived from 'nicotinic acid' (named after tobacco, where it was first identified) and 'amide,' referring to its specific chemical structure. It was combined to distinguish this specific derivative from nicotine, despite the linguistic connection.

In the news

The article refers to 'nicotinamide riboside' and 'nicotinamide mononucleotide' as oral precursors that people consume in hopes of boosting NAD+ levels, though clinical evidence for their efficacy remains limited.

Is the hype around NAD+ infusions overblown? A geneticist weighs in

Read the full article ↗

Vogue Adria

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