Nicotinic acid (niacin)

Forms of niacin 

Nicotinic acid causes a flushing effect. If you are looking for a form of niacin that does not cause a flushing effect, we would recommend to instead use either Nicotinamide or Inositol Hexanicotinate.

At low levels nicotinic acid does not cause a flushing effect, and for some individuals nictotinic acid is seen as most desirable because they are using it to improve their cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease. Niacin flushing is a common side effect of taking high doses of nicotinic acid. The flushing effect may seem similar to an allergic reaction; it causes the skin to feel red, warm and itchy . At high doses nicotinic acid triggers a response that causes the capillaries to expand, increasing flood flow to the surface of the skin.The levels of nicotinic acid that are required to produce improvements in blood cholesterol and lipids are high and should only be done under medical supervision due to other side effects. For use in supplements or fortification of foods we would recommend keeping in line with local legislation for the product category and market you are wishing to sell the product in.  

Dose

The reference intake for niacin is 16mg/day for adults. 

The upper limit (for adults) for nictotinic acid is 10mg/day; this is advised by the Scientific Committee on Food. A tolerable upper intake level for nicotinic acid of 10 mg/day is based on the available data indicating occasional flushing at 30 mg per day, using an uncertainty factor of 3.

Flushing has been consistently reported at intakes of 50 mg/day and above; a guidance level, for supplementation only, of 50/3 = 17 mg/day for nicotinic acid was derived by the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals in 2003.

For dosages of >20mg/day of nicotinic acid, the Department of Health encourage re-formulating with nicotinamide rather than nicotinic acid. They advise that levels over 20mg a day of nicotinic acid may cause skin flushes in sensitive individuals.

Authorised EFSA Health Claims

Niacin contributes to normal psychological function

Niacin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism

Niacin contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system

Niacin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes

Niacin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin

Niacin contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

CR- 14/05/2019