Flour Enriched With Niacin

Enriched flour is typically wheat flour that has had certain nutrients added back after they were removed during processing. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is one of these essential nutrients, along with iron, thiamin, riboflavin, and folic acid. It is produced by milling grains and then supplementing with these vitamins and minerals.

Manufacturers add enriched flour to a wide variety of baked goods, pasta, and other processed foods as a primary ingredient. The enrichment with niacin and other B vitamins helps restore nutrients lost during the milling process and prevent nutrient deficiencies in the population.

Enriched flour is widely used in the US, with enrichment mandated by the FDA for certain flours to ensure public health. Niacin is an essential vitamin, and its deficiency can lead to pellagra. The US National Academies have established Upper Intake Levels for niacin, and at typical dietary intake levels from enriched foods, niacin is generally considered safe. JECFA has evaluated niacin and established an acceptable daily intake.