Ingredient

Niacn

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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Niacin is added to foods as a nutrient to help fortify them, making them …

What it is

Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for human health. It occurs naturally in foods like meat, fish, eggs, and grains. It can also be produced synthetically for use as a food additive.

Why it's used

Niacin is added to foods as a nutrient to help fortify them, making them more nutritious. It is commonly found in enriched grain products like breads, cereals, and pasta, as well as in snack bars and cookies.

Health notes

Niacin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a nutrient. The FDA permits its use as a food additive to enrich foods. JECFA has evaluated niacin and established an acceptable daily intake. At typical dietary levels, niacin functions as an essential vitamin. High doses, usually from supplements, can cause side effects like flushing, itching, and liver problems, but these are not associated with typical food fortification levels.

Allergen info

Niacin itself is not one of the nine major FDA allergens, nor does it contain gluten. It is not derived from any of these sources.

Products containing Niacn

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Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.