Vitamins & Minerals: Niacin

Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that the body needs to function. It is found naturally in many foods like meat, fish, eggs, grains, and legumes. Niacin can also be produced synthetically for use as a food additive.

Niacin is added to foods as a nutrient to help fortify them, especially grain products like pasta, bread, and cereal. This helps consumers increase their intake of this important vitamin. It is often listed as 'niacin' or 'niacinamide' on ingredient labels.

Niacin is a vitamin, and the US National Academies have established a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for it. The FDA considers niacin to be a safe and essential nutrient. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have also evaluated niacin. At typical food-intake levels, niacin is safe and beneficial for health. Very high doses, usually from supplements, can cause side effects like skin flushing.