Niacin’s Hidden Risks: How a Common Supplement May Harm Your Heart
New research has raised concerns about niacin, a once-common supplement for lowering cholesterol. A blood metabolite linked to excess niacin has been tied to higher risks of heart attack, stroke, and vascular inflammation. As a result, medical guidelines now recommend safer and more effective alternatives, such as statins, for managing high cholesterol.
Niacin was previously used to help lower cholesterol, but studies now show it may do more harm than good. A metabolite called 4PY, produced when the body processes excess niacin, has been linked to a doubled risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in one in four people in the U.S. and Europe. The supplement can also cause serious side effects, including diabetes, liver problems, and stomach ulcers.
The shift away from niacin marks a change in how high cholesterol is treated. Statins, along with ezetimib and PCSK9 inhibitors, are now the preferred options due to their proven benefits in reducing cardiac risks. For those already taking niacin, consulting a doctor about alternative treatments is strongly recommended.
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