Niacin: The Hidden Heart Risk No One Saw Coming

Supplements seem like a risk-free boost—but they don’t always play nice. I’m cautious with them because they can impact far more than their intended target. And in excess? They can backfire in ways we never saw coming. That’s exactly what this latest research dives into.

For years, niacin (vitamin B3) has been hailed as a heart-healthy nutrient. But new research in Nature Medicine suggests that too much of it could be doing the exact opposite—fueling heart attacks and strokes. The culprit? A byproduct called 4PY, which spikes when niacin levels are too high and sets off dangerous inflammation in blood vessels.

Scientists analyzed blood from over 1,100 cardiology patients and found that those with more 4PY faced a higher risk of cardiovascular events. They validated the findings in over 3,000 people across the U.S. and Europe—and when they injected mice with 4PY, their blood vessels became inflamed, confirming the link. This could explain why niacin supplements haven’t reduced heart disease risk, despite lowering cholesterol.

Bottom line? Niacin is essential—but most of us get plenty from food. If you’re considering a supplement, check to see its niacin content. More isn’t better—when it comes to your heart, it might just be worse.

Click HERE to read the full article "High Levels of Niacin, an Essential B Vitamin, Linked to Increased Heart Disease Risk."

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
Unsubscribe · Preferences

Read more from The Wonderfulness Newsletter

woman's torso with her hands forming a heart at chest level

*Stronger Muscles, Healthier Heart—Why Creatine Deserves a Spot in Your Routine

Join The Wonderfulness Community Stronger Muscles, Healthier Heart—Why Creatine Deserves a Spot in Your Routine Creatine is wonderful for building muscle and strength. I’ve also written about how it can protect your brain and improve your sleep. Turns out that creatine is a heart health ally too. Here’s how: 🔹 Better Blood Flow: Just 28 days of creatine (starting with 20g/day, then 5g/day) improved blood vessel function by 1.2–1.4%, a level linked to a lower risk of heart attacks and...

6 days ago • 1 min read

*Short on Time? How 1 Minute of HIIT Can Transform Your Health

Join The Wonderfulness Community Short on Time? How 1 Minute of HIIT Can Transform Your Health High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a time-efficient way to boost cardiovascular health and improve VO2 max—how well your body uses oxygen during exercise. VO2 max is a key predictor of heart health and longevity, and HIIT has been shown to significantly increase it, even with just one minute of intense effort. The HIIT Breakdown: What is it? Short bursts of intense activity (around 80% of...

13 days ago • 1 min read

Spilled martini in foreground with black cat in background

*A Sip or a Slip? The Surprising Impact of Alcohol on Health and Longevity

Join The Wonderfulness Community A Sip or a Slip? The Surprising Impact of Alcohol on Health and Longevity Heavy drinking is linked to various health issues, and complete abstinence eliminates those risks. But what about moderate alcohol consumption? Studies show mixed results—some suggest a drink or two may be protective, while others find no health benefits over abstinence. A new review of 107 studies (including nearly 5 million participants) aimed to clear things up. It found that...

24 days ago • 1 min read

The Wonderfulness Newsletter