E375 - Acide nicotinique

Origin

Nicotinic acid, also known as niacin or vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin. It can be produced synthetically or derived from natural sources such as yeast, meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, beans, and cereal grains. Industrially, it is often synthesized from 3-picoline.

Usage

Nicotinic acid is primarily used as a nutrient supplement and food additive. It plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism, acting as a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), coenzymes involved in numerous enzymatic reactions. In food, it is used to fortify products like breakfast cereals, flour, and infant formulas to prevent niacin deficiency (pellagra). It is also used in animal feed. Therapeutically, nicotinic acid is used to treat hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and niacin deficiency. The amounts used therapeutically are far higher than those used in food fortification.

Side Effects

When consumed in normal dietary amounts, nicotinic acid is generally safe. However, high doses, particularly those used therapeutically, can cause side effects such as flushing (redness and warmth of the skin), itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver abnormalities. Sustained-release formulations may reduce the incidence of flushing. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for adults is set at 35 mg/day from fortified foods and supplements due to the flushing effect. Individuals with liver disease, peptic ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease should use nicotinic acid with caution. It can also interact with certain medications, such as statins and blood pressure medications.

Regulatory Status

Nicotinic acid is approved for use as a food additive in many countries, including the United States and the European Union. In the EU, it is designated as E375. Regulations specify the maximum permitted levels in various food categories. The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has evaluated the safety of nicotinic acid and has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-10 mg/kg body weight for niacin from all sources.