Niacin (E375): What It Is and Is It Safe?
Niacin (nicotinic acid) is vitamin B3, an essential nutrient historically added to processed meats as a colour retention agent to keep them pink. It is required for normal energy metabolism, and its dietary deficiency causes pellagra. Very high pharmacological doses can cause transient skin flushing, but the amounts used in food are safe. It is not authorised as a colour-related additive E375 in the UK or EU, but is permitted as the vitamin niacin for fortification and supplements.
- Category
- Colour Retention Agent / Vitamin — Vitamin B3
- Typically used in
- Historically in cured and processed meats as a colour fixative; widely used as a fortificant in cereals, flour and food supplements.
- Regulatory status
- Not authorised as additive E375 in the UK/EU; permitted as the vitamin niacin for fortification and supplements.
- Also listed as
- Nicotinic Acid
Scrannr flags Niacin automatically when you scan a barcode.
Where this comes from
- UK Food Standards Agency (2024) — Approved additives and E numbers https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/approved-additives-and-e-numbers/approved-additives-and-e-numbers
Products containing Niacin
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