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		Search Text: < Back To Home/Excess levels of vitamin B3 linked with increased heart disease risk

NHLBI IN THE PRESS
                                        
                    Excess levels of vitamin B3 linked with increased heart disease risk
                    
                    February 21, 2024
                                                            Image of a variety of bread, cereals, and grain in wooden bowls on a rustic wood table
    New research suggests that high levels of niacin, also known as vitamin B3, may increase cardiovascular disease risk.Niacin, an essential micronutrient found in fortified flour and cereal, is known for its LDL cholesterol-lowering effects. Yet despite this positive impact on heart health, CVD risk still remains high. To untangle this complex relationship, NHLBI-funded researchers collected blood samples from over 1,000 individuals to screen for circulating small molecules whose levels could predict CVD event risks independent of traditional risk factors.They discovered two breakdown products from excess niacin intake, known as 2PY and 4PY, that were significantly associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other adverse cardiac events. In follow up mouse studies, the researchers also showed that 4PY can directly trigger vascular inflammation leading to blood vessel damage and atherosclerosis over time.From 2017-2020 total niacin consumption in the U.S., through a mix of natural food sources, fortified foods, and supplementation, averaged 48 mg/d – more than triple the Recommended Daily Allowance.“The present studies raise the question of whether a continued mandate of flour and cereal fortification with niacin is warranted,” said the study authors.The research is published in*Nature Medicine*.
                        Media Coverage
                
    February 21, 2024
      |
            Forbes
                Niacin May Increase Heart Disease Risk, Study Suggests: What To Know
                                                                                                
        February 21, 2024
      |
            Prevention
                Study Links High Levels of Niacin to Heart Disease Risk—All About Vitamin B3 and Heart Health
                                                                                                
        February 21, 2024
      |
            Medscape
                High Niacin Levels Linked to Major CV Events
                                                                                                
        February 21, 2024
      |
            Medical News Today
                Too much vitamin B3 may contribute to heart disease, study finds
                                                                                                
        February 21, 2024
      |
            Healthline
                Excess Vitamin B3 Called Niacin May Be Bad for the Heart, Study Finds
                                                                                                
        February 20, 2024
      |
            Good Morning America
                Scientists find new possible link between heart disease, niacin
                                                                                                
        February 19, 2024
      |
            NBC News
                New research suggests high levels of Niacin may raise heart disease risk
                                                                                                
        February 19, 2024
      |
            STAT
                Niacin has long been a public health darling. But an excess could be bad for the heart, study suggests
                                                                                                
        February 19, 2024
      |
            Cleveland Clinic
                Cleveland Clinic-Led Study Discovers Link between High Levels of Niacin – a Common B Vitamin – and Heart Disease
                                                                                                
        February 19, 2024
      |
            Newsweek
                Too Much Vitamin B3 May Up Heart Attack and Stroke Risk
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        February 19, 2024
      |
            News-Medical
                Study suggests high levels of vitamin B3 breakdown products are linked to higher risk of mortality, heart attacks, and stroke
                                                                                                
        February 19, 2024
      |
            Healthnews
                Common B Vitamin Linked to Heart Disease Back To Top Link
  

        

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