What Drinks Have Niacinamide?

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research on energy drink ingredients, many popular brands like Red Bull and Monster contain niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3. This ingredient is added to support energy metabolism and help reduce tiredness. Beyond energy drinks, a variety of other beverages also contain niacinamide, either through fortification or natural content, offering different ways to supplement your intake.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals which beverages, including energy drinks, fortified sports drinks, and certain natural options, contain niacinamide and how they differ.

Key Points

Energy Drinks: Many energy drinks, including Red Bull and Monster, are heavily fortified with synthetic niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to aid energy metabolism.
High Doses: Fortified drinks often contain niacinamide in doses significantly exceeding the RDA, which may carry health risks with consistent overconsumption.
Natural Sources: Small amounts of niacin naturally occur in beverages like coffee, and the body can produce niacinamide from tryptophan found in milk.
No-Flush Form: Niacinamide is the 'no-flush' form of Vitamin B3, unlike nicotinic acid, making it a preferred additive for preventing skin flushing side effects.
Read Labels: It is important to read beverage labels to determine if niacinamide is synthetic or naturally occurring and to monitor total daily intake from all sources.
Health Considerations: High intake of synthetic niacinamide, often found in energy drinks, may be linked to certain cardiovascular risks, highlighting the importance of moderation.

Understanding Niacinamide and its Role

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3 that is crucial for many cellular processes. It is a precursor to the coenzyme NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), which is vital for converting food into energy. Unlike nicotinic acid, another form of Vitamin B3, niacinamide does not cause the common 'niacin flush' side effect and is generally well-tolerated, making it a popular additive in various foods and beverages.

There are two primary ways to obtain niacinamide from beverages: either through synthetic fortification, where the vitamin is added to the product during manufacturing, or naturally, as a result of certain ingredients containing tryptophan, an amino acid that the body can convert into niacinamide.

Energy Drinks with Niacinamide

Energy drinks are one of the most prominent sources of fortified niacinamide. Manufacturers add B-group vitamins to their products to support the claimed energy-boosting effects. However, it is important to note that many of these drinks contain levels significantly higher than the recommended daily allowance, and high consumption of synthetic niacin has been linked to potential health concerns.

Some popular energy drinks listing niacinamide include:

Red Bull Energy Drink: The manufacturer explicitly lists niacinamide as one of its B-group vitamins, which contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Monster Energy Drink: Like Red Bull, Monster Energy also contains a significant amount of niacin, which is present in the form of niacinamide.
Celsius Fitness Drink: Marketed as a fitness-focused beverage, Celsius also contains added niacinamide to aid metabolism.

Fortified Sports Drinks and Vitamin Waters

Another category of beverages where niacinamide is commonly found is sports drinks and vitamin-infused waters. These are designed to replenish nutrients lost during physical activity. Brands often include a blend of electrolytes, sugars, and various B-vitamins for overall metabolic support.

Examples of products containing B-vitamins, including niacinamide, include:

Ready Sports Drink: This product is marketed as an electrolyte blend with B-vitamins and no added sugar.
Various 'B-vitamin' drinks: Specialized health retailers like GNC and online stores carry a range of B-vitamin drinks, including effervescent tablets and liquid shots, that explicitly advertise their B3 content.

Natural Sources and Precursors in Drinks

While fortification is a direct route, some beverages naturally contain ingredients that provide Vitamin B3 or its precursors. The body can convert the amino acid tryptophan, which is found in many foods, into niacinamide.

Drinks that may contain natural niacinamide or its precursors include:

Coffee and Espresso: Brewed coffee and espresso naturally contain small amounts of niacin. A FitAudit table indicates that brewed coffee has about 0.8mg per 100g, while espresso contains a more concentrated 5.21mg per 100g.
Milk-based Protein Shakes: Milk and dairy products contain tryptophan, which the body can convert to niacinamide. A soy-based protein powder may also contain niacin.
Certain Fruit and Vegetable Juices: Although quantities are generally very small compared to fortified drinks, some juices like orange juice and tomato juice contain trace amounts of niacin. For instance, a FitAudit table shows orange juice with 0.2mg per 100g.

Comparing Fortified and Natural Niacinamide in Drinks


Feature	Fortified Energy/Sports Drinks	Drinks with Natural Sources/Precursors
Source of B3	Synthetic niacinamide added during manufacturing.	Tryptophan-containing ingredients or naturally occurring niacin.
Concentration	Often very high, sometimes over 100% of the recommended daily value in a single serving.	Typically much lower, contributing a smaller portion of daily requirements.
Associated Risks	High synthetic doses may carry risks like liver toxicity or cardiovascular issues with consistent overconsumption.	Minimal to no risk of excessive intake from drinking beverages with natural sources.
Purpose	Primarily for marketing energy-boosting effects and supplementing B-vitamins.	Provides a small, naturally occurring dose as part of a whole-food or whole-beverage nutritional profile.
Examples	Red Bull, Monster, Celsius, Ready Sports Drink.	Brewed coffee, milk-based protein shakes, some fruit juices.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While niacinamide is essential for health, the high doses found in many fortified energy drinks warrant consideration. Excessive intake of synthetic niacin has been associated with adverse effects, and some studies suggest links between high niacin metabolite levels and cardiovascular health risks. Consumers should practice label literacy, paying close attention to the percentage of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) per serving.

Choosing beverages with natural niacinamide or precursors, such as unsweetened coffee or milk-based shakes, offers a more modest and lower-risk approach. For those relying on fortified drinks, it is crucial to consume them in moderation and be aware of the total intake from all sources. As with any significant dietary change, it is wise to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Conclusion

Niacinamide is available in several types of beverages, from highly fortified energy drinks and sports beverages to drinks with naturally occurring B3 precursors like coffee and milk. Energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster contain significant synthetic amounts, marketed for their energy-yielding properties. While these offer a quick way to consume niacinamide, the high dosage can pose risks with frequent consumption. Alternatively, opting for beverages with natural sources provides a more moderate intake. Understanding the difference between these sources allows for more informed choices regarding nutritional intake via drinks. For those seeking targeted supplementation, a conversation with a healthcare provider is the best path forward.

To learn more about Vitamin B3, its functions, and food sources, you can visit the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Niacinamide is one form of Vitamin B3, while niacin (or nicotinic acid) is another. They are chemically similar, but niacinamide does not cause the 'flushing' side effect associated with high doses of niacin.

Prominent examples include Red Bull and Monster Energy. These brands explicitly list niacinamide or Vitamin B3 in their ingredients, often in high concentrations per serving.

Yes, many sports drinks and vitamin waters are fortified with B-vitamins, including niacinamide, to support metabolism and recovery. However, they often contain added sugars and should be consumed in moderation.

Some fruit and vegetable juices contain very small, naturally occurring amounts of niacin. The concentration is significantly lower than in fortified drinks and is not a primary source.

When consumed in moderation, it is generally safe. However, consistently drinking high-dose fortified beverages can lead to excessive intake, which some studies have linked to potential health risks, including liver and cardiovascular issues.

No, but many popular brands do. It's best to check the nutritional information on the product label to see if B-vitamins like niacinamide are included.

Niacinamide is added to beverages to support energy metabolism and help reduce tiredness and fatigue. It helps the body convert carbohydrates and proteins into usable energy.

Yes, brewed coffee contains naturally occurring niacin, from which the body can derive niacinamide. Espresso typically contains a higher concentration than brewed coffee.