Nutrition & Skincare

Which Foods Are Rich in Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, and your body needs it from food or supplements. The good news is that B3 is found in a wide range of foods, from meat and fish to nuts and vegetables.

Quick answerFoods rich in niacinamide (vitamin B3) include meat (especially liver and chicken), fish (tuna, salmon), poultry (turkey), nuts (peanuts), legumes (lentils, beans), whole grains, and some vegetables.

Medically reviewed by Nutrition reviewer · Updated Jul 18, 2026 · 5 min read

Foods rich in niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Top SourcesMeat, fish, poultry
Plant SourcesNuts, legumes, grains
Niacinamide FormVitamin B3
Daily Requirement14-16 mg (adults)
Key QualityEssential nutrient

Key answer

Meat, fish, poultry, nuts, legumes

The richest dietary sources of vitamin B3 are animal products like liver, poultry, and fish, followed by plant sources like peanuts and legumes.

Evidence
Strong - Meat, fish, poultry, nuts, legumes
Best for
Anyone wanting to know dietary sources of vitamin B3; Those planning a balanced diet
Limitation
Those looking for skincare product recommendations

Short version

Story in brief

Vitamin B3 is found in two main forms in food: niacin (nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (nicotinamide). Both forms are converted to NAD+ in the body, supporting cellular metabolism and energy production. The richest dietary sources are animal products, particularly liver, poultry, and fish.

Plant sources of B3 include peanuts, legumes (lentils, beans), whole grains, and some vegetables like mushrooms and green peas. However, the B3 from plant sources is often less bioavailable than from animal sources, so the body may not absorb it as efficiently.

The recommended daily intake of vitamin B3 is 14-16 mg for adults. A balanced diet typically provides enough B3, though deficiency can occur in some populations. Most people get sufficient B3 from their diet without needing supplementation.

Mental model

Visual explanation

Evidence

What the evidence shows

While niacinamide in skincare provides topical benefits, dietary vitamin B3 is essential for overall health. The body converts dietary B3 to NAD+, supporting cellular energy, DNA repair, and metabolism.

  • Vitamin B3 function

    Fundamental biology, well established
  • Dietary sources

    Well documented in nutrition science
  • Daily requirements

    Established by health authorities

Use this section to decide

Does this advice apply to me?

Find the concern or goal closest to yours, then use the fit signal to decide how much weight to give this guide.
Strong fit means the advice is central to that goal.Depends means formula, tolerance, or context matters more.Use caution means do not treat it as the main answer.
  • If your goal is

    Richest sourcesUsually relevant
    Fit signal
    Often useful

    Liver, chicken, tuna

  • If your goal is

    Plant sourcesUse caution
    Fit signal
    Limited evidence

    Peanuts, legumes, mushrooms

  • If your goal is

    Daily needUse caution
    Fit signal
    Limited evidence

    14-16 mg

  • If your goal is

    Key qualityUsually relevant
    Fit signal
    Often useful

    Essential nutrient

Research notes already in this guide

  • Vitamin B3's role in cellular metabolism is fundamental biology.
  • The connection between B3 deficiency and disease is well documented.
  • Dietary B3 recommendations are established by health authorities.
  • The conversion of B3 to NAD+ is well understood.

Practical use

How to use it

  1. Eat a balanced diet with B3-rich foods

    Include meat, fish, poultry, nuts, and legumes in your diet.

  2. Consider supplements if needed

    If your diet is limited, consider a B vitamin supplement.

  3. Understand that food B3 and skincare B3 are different

    Dietary B3 is for overall health; skincare niacinamide is for skin concerns.

Safety

Side effects and cautions

  • Thinking you need to eat niacinamide specifically

    The body uses both niacin and niacinamide from food. Both forms are fine.

  • Assuming B3 from food is the same as skincare niacinamide

    Dietary B3 supports overall health; skincare niacinamide targets skin concerns. They're not interchangeable.

  • Taking supplements without dietary need

    Most people get sufficient B3 from diet. Supplements should be taken only if needed.

Fit

Who should be careful

  • Those looking for skincare product recommendations

Worth noting

Small details that can change the answer

  • Rich Animal Sources. Liver, poultry, and fish are the richest dietary sources of vitamin B3.
  • Plant Sources. Peanuts, legumes, whole grains, and mushrooms contain B3.
  • Bioavailability. B3 from animal sources is more bioavailable than from plant sources.
  • Daily Need. Adults need 14-16 mg of vitamin B3 daily.

Foods rich in vitamin B3 include meat, fish, poultry, nuts, and legumes.

Animal sources are generally richer and more bioavailable.

The daily recommended intake is 14-16 mg for adults.

Dietary B3 and skincare niacinamide serve different purposes.

A balanced diet typically provides sufficient vitamin B3.

Definition

Foods rich in niacinamide (vitamin B3)

Here are the top dietary sources of vitamin B3, listed from richest to richest.

  • Chicken breast: 8.9 mg per 100g
  • Beef liver: 8.8 mg per 100g
  • Tuna: 8.6 mg per 100g
  • Turkey: 8.1 mg per 100g
  • Salmon: 7.2 mg per 100g
  • Peanuts: 12.7 mg per 100g
  • Lentils: 2.6 mg per 100g
  • Sunflower seeds: 3.5 mg per 100g
  • Mushrooms: 3.5 mg per 100g
  • Green peas: 2.1 mg per 100g

Explanation

Niacinamide vs. niacin in food

Foods contain vitamin B3 in both niacin and niacinamide forms. Both forms are converted to NAD+ in the body and are essential for health. The difference is more relevant for supplements - niacin can cause flushing while niacinamide doesn't. In food, the body handles both forms effectively.

Benefits

Benefits of dietary B3

Getting sufficient vitamin B3 from food supports several important bodily functions.

  • Supports cellular energy production
  • Helps repair DNA damage
  • Supports metabolism of fats and carbohydrates
  • Maintains healthy skin, nerves, and digestion
  • Prevents B3 deficiency (pellagra)

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is niacinamide found in food?

Yes, niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 found in many foods, along with niacin.

What foods are richest in vitamin B3?

Liver, chicken, tuna, turkey, and peanuts are among the richest sources.

Can I get enough B3 from a plant-based diet?

Yes, but plant-based sources are less bioavailable. Include peanuts, legumes, and whole grains.

Should I take B3 supplements for skin health?

Supplements are for overall health. For skin concerns, topical niacinamide is more targeted.

References

Sources

The notes below are drawn from the evidence already cited in this guide. They are not a complete bibliography.

  1. Vitamin B3's role in cellular metabolism is fundamental biology.
  2. The connection between B3 deficiency and disease is well documented.
  3. Dietary B3 recommendations are established by health authorities.
  4. The conversion of B3 to NAD+ is well understood.