Niacine

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient vital for the body's metabolism and energy production. It is naturally present in many foods, including meat, fish, nuts, legumes, and whole grains. For use in food products, it is often produced through chemical synthesis.

Manufacturers add niacin to foods primarily as a nutrient to enrich or fortify products. It is commonly added to cereals, flours, and nutritional supplements to prevent deficiency and support overall health. It can also be found in some snack foods and baked goods.

Niacin is an FDA-approved essential nutrient. It plays a crucial role in the body's metabolism and energy production, and its deficiency can lead to a condition called pellagra. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated niacin and set an acceptable daily intake, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also assessed its safety. The US National Academies has established an Upper Intake Level for niacin. At very high doses, often used therapeutically, niacin can cause side effects like skin flushing, but these are not typically seen at levels found in fortified foods.