Niacin
Niacin (nicotinic acid, pyridine-3-carboxylic acid) is a white, non-hygroscopic crystalline powder that is soluble in water and stable to heat, light and air. It is made by chemical synthesis, mostly by oxidizing alkylpyridines such as 3-methylpyridine or 5-ethyl-2-methylpyridine, then purified and crystallized. It is one of the two common vitamin B3 ingredients alongside niacinamide, which has different specs and uses, and brands buy it as fine or granular powder for premixes, tablets and flour enrichment.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Fine crystalline powder tested to pharmacopeia or Food Chemicals Codex monographs.
Granulated niacin with better flow for tablets and premixes.
Niacin blended with other enrichment nutrients by premix suppliers for flour and grain products.
Lower-cost grade for animal nutrition; not for human food or supplements.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Niacin is one of the most stable vitamins: keep it in closed containers in a cool, dry place and it holds up well. Suppliers still set a retest or expiry date, usually with assay as the retest check.
Assay rarely varies much, but record it per lot along with particle size grade. Keep niacin and niacinamide as clearly separate items, since they are labeled and dosed differently.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 184.1530 describes niacin as a non-hygroscopic, stable, white crystalline solid and affirms it as GRAS as a nutrient supplement, used in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph lists nicotinic acid as a source ingredient for niacin.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Nanjing, China
Nanjing-based maker and marketer of ingredients for food, nutrition, personal care and feed. Its food and nutrition range includes vitamin C and the main B vitamins in several forms.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include uSP / FCC grade, granular or direct-compression grade, enrichment premix and feed grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay, identity, related substances, loss on drying and residue on ignition and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Niacin is one of the most stable vitamins: keep it in closed containers in a cool, dry place and it holds up well. Suppliers still set a retest or expiry date, usually with assay as the retest check.
21 CFR 184.1530 describes niacin as a non-hygroscopic, stable, white crystalline solid and affirms it as GRAS as a nutrient supplement, used in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice. Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph lists nicotinic acid as a source ingredient for niacin.
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