"Link Found Between High Niacin Levels and Heart Disease Risk"
Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic have discovered a new pathway linking high levels of niacin (vitamin B-3) to cardiovascular disease. They found that a byproduct of excess niacin, called 4PY, is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and vascular inflammation. The study suggests potential new interventions and therapeutics to counteract this pathway and raises questions about the continued fortification of staple foods with niacin. The findings may also help explain why niacin is no longer a primary treatment for lowering cholesterol and emphasize the importance of investigating residual cardiovascular risk.