B"" Vitamins Niacin

Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that plays a role in energy production and cell function. It occurs naturally in foods like meat, fish, eggs, and vegetables. In food processing, niacin is often added as a synthetic form, typically produced through chemical synthesis.

Niacin is added to foods as a nutrient supplement, often to fortify grains and cereals. It is also used as a food additive to improve texture and act as a leavening agent in baked goods. You can find added niacin in products like bread, pasta, and breakfast cereals.

Niacin is recognized as safe and effective by the FDA when used as a nutrient supplement in food. The FDA has established regulations for its use in fortified foods. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated niacin and found it to be safe. High doses, typically from supplements rather than fortified foods, can cause side effects like skin flushing, itching, and gastrointestinal upset.