Vitamin B3 (niacin) in food and dietary supplements

Determination of vitamin B3 as niacin, nicotinic acid, and nicotinamide in food or supplements with a high-performance liquid chromatography method.

Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers states that niacin may be included in the nutrition declaration for food products if it is present in significant amounts. Considering the daily reference intake (DRI) of 16 mg, niacin content may be declared in at least the following concentrations:

• 2.4 mg/100 g or 100 ml in products other than beverages (15% of DRI)

• 1.2 mg/100 ml in beverages (7.5% of DRI)

• 2.4 mg per portion if the package contains a single portion (15% of DRI)

The nutrition label "Source of niacin" can be applied to products that contain the vitamin in at least the above amounts. Permitted health claims applicable to products that are sources of niacin include:

• Niacin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.

• Niacin contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.

• Niacin contributes to normal psychological function.

• Niacin contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.