Cleveland Clinic Researchers Identify Link Between Excess Niacin and Cardiovascular Disease
Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic have made a groundbreaking discovery that could change the way we view niacin and its effects on cardiovascular health. A new pathway linking excess niacin to cardiovascular disease has been uncovered, shedding light on why niacin is no longer a recommended treatment for lowering cholesterol.
The breakdown product of excess niacin, known as 4PY, has been found to be strongly associated with heart attack, stroke, and other adverse cardiac events. Preclinical studies have shown that 4PY triggers vascular inflammation, which can lead to atherosclerosis over time.
This discovery opens up the possibility for new interventions and therapeutics to reduce or prevent inflammation caused by excess niacin. It also raises concerns about the fortification of staple foods with niacin, which is mandated in the US and over 50 other nations. This widespread fortification may be contributing to high niacin intake and 4PY levels in some individuals.
Patients are now being advised to consult with their doctors before taking over-the-counter niacin supplements and to focus on a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to promote heart health. Dr. Hazen, the lead researcher on the study, is continuing his research to find chemical signatures that can predict the development of heart disease.
The study, published in Nature Medicine and supported by the National Institutes of Health, highlights the need for further long-term investigations to assess the effects of chronic elevation of 4PY levels on atherosclerosis. This research could potentially lead to new ways to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease in the future.
