Though it is needed in small amounts, too much niacin can cause an increase in levels of 4PY, which is a compound found to be associated with heart disease, the researchers found. The study, published Feb. 19 in Nature Medicine, also revealed a link between high levels of 4PY and inflammation.
“The main takeaway is not that we should cut out our entire intake of niacin – that’s not a realistic approach,” Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, director of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics & Prevention and lead author of the study said. “Given these findings, a discussion over whether a continued mandate of flour and cereal fortification with niacin in the U.S. could be warranted.”
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