Heart Health Alert: High Niacin Linked to Heart Disease Risk
TLDR
- New research reveals a potential link between high levels of Niacin and increased risk of heart disease
- Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient derived from nicotinic acid or nicotinamide
- Excess Niacin may fuel inflammation through a newly discovered pathway, contributing to cardiovascular issues
- Dr. Stanley Hazen and his team at Cleveland Clinic led the study, uncovering the connection between a breakdown product of Niacin, known as 4PY, and adverse cardiac events
- While Niacin is essential for various bodily functions, excessive intake may pose risks to cardiovascular health
- The study raises concerns about the continued fortification of flour and cereals with Niacin and highlights the need for further research and cautious use of Niacin supplements
- Individuals are advised to consult healthcare providers before taking Niacin supplements and prioritize a healthy lifestyle for heart health
High levels of Niacin have long been hailed as beneficial for heart health. However, new research suggests a darker side to this common B vitamin.
According to a groundbreaking study, excess Niacin may fuel inflammation and contribute to cardiovascular disease through a newly discovered pathway.
Dr. Stanley Hazen, Chair of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute, and his team uncovered a link between a breakdown product of Niacin, known as 4PY, and adverse cardiac events such as heart attacks and strokes.
This discovery challenges conventional wisdom surrounding Niacin’s role in heart health and raises important questions about its widespread use.
“What’s exciting about these results is that this pathway appears to be a previously unrecognized yet significant contributor to the development of cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Hazen. “These insights set the stage for developing new approaches to counteract the effects of this pathway.”
Niacin, commonly recognized as vitamin B3, is a prevalent component in Western diets and is frequently added to essential foods like flour and cereals.
However, while Niacin is essential for various bodily functions, including energy metabolism and maintaining healthy skin, the study suggests that excessive Niacin intake may pose risks to cardiovascular health.
“Our intake of Niacin is like multiple taps pouring water into a bucket. Once that bucket is filled, it begins to spill over,” explained Dr. Hazen. “The human body then needs to process that spill-over and produce other metabolites, including 4PY.”
The study’s results are important for public health because they suggest that one out of every four individuals in the researchers’ patient groups had elevated levels of 4PY, which could play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease.
This raises concerns about the continued fortification of flour and cereal with Niacin, as mandated in the United States and many other countries.
“Niacin’s effects have always been somewhat of a paradox,” said Dr. Stanley Hazen. “Despite Niacin lowering of cholesterol, the clinical benefits have always been less than anticipated based on the degree of LDL reduction. This led to the idea that excess Niacin caused unclear adverse effects that partially counteracted the benefits of LDL lowering. We believe our findings help explain this paradox.”
While Niacin has historically been used to lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol levels, recent studies indicate that it provides little additional benefit compared to other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins.
Moreover, high doses of Niacin can lead to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous side effects, including severe skin flushing, rapid heartbeat, liver damage, and Diabetes.
“The main takeaway is not that we should cut out our entire intake of Niacin – that’s not a realistic approach,” emphasized Dr. Hazen. “Given these findings, a discussion over whether a continued mandate of flour and cereal fortification with Niacin in the U.S. could be warranted.”
In light of these findings, Dr. Hazen advises individuals to consult with their healthcare providers before taking over-the-counter Niacin supplements and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support heart health.
The study, which thoroughly examined both clinical and preclinical data, highlights the complexity of cardiovascular disease. It emphasizes the ongoing need for further research to discover new pathways and interventions.
In conclusion, while Niacin remains an important nutrient, excessive intake may harm cardiovascular health. The study’s findings challenge beliefs about Niacin’s role in heart disease and pave the way for further investigation into novel therapeutic approaches.
Dr. Hazen concluded, “What’s more, we can measure it, meaning there is potential for diagnostic testing. These insights set the stage for developing new approaches to counteract the effects of this pathway.”
“The main takeaway is not that we should cut out our entire intake of Niacin – that’s not a realistic approach,” emphasized Dr. Hazen. “Given these findings, a discussion over whether a continued mandate of flour and cereal fortification with Niacin in the U.S. could be warranted.”
In light of these findings, Dr. Hazen advises individuals to consult with their healthcare providers before taking over-the-counter Niacin supplements and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support heart health.
The study, which thoroughly examined both clinical and preclinical data, highlights the complexity of cardiovascular disease. It emphasizes the ongoing need for further research to discover new pathways and interventions.
In conclusion, while Niacin remains an important nutrient, excessive intake may harm cardiovascular health. The study’s findings challenge beliefs about Niacin’s role in heart disease and pave the way for further investigation into novel therapeutic approaches.
Dr. Hazen concluded, “What’s more, we can measure it, meaning there is potential for diagnostic testing. These insights set the stage for developing new approaches to counteract the effects of this pathway.”