Scientists from the Cleveland Clinic in the USA (a large private medical center) have discovered a new pathway for the development of cardiovascular diseases associated with high concentrations of niacin, a common B vitamin in the body. published In Nature Medicine.
Niacin or nicotinic acid is a B vitamin that is involved in many redox reactions in the body, the formation of enzymes and the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates in living cells. Sometimes it is recommended to increase its consumption to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood.
A study of more than a thousand volunteers found a link between the presence of 4PY, the breakdown product of excess niacin, in the body and heart disease. Some scientific articles have previously reported that higher circulating levels of 4PY are closely associated with a higher likelihood of heart attack and stroke.
US scientists managed to find that 4PY triggers inflammation that damages blood vessels and can lead to atherosclerosis over time. Without treatment, the disease can cause serious complications – ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction.
Nicotinic acid is found in rye bread, buckwheat, beans, nuts, egg yolk, milk, meat, liver and mushrooms. The study’s authors explained that you shouldn’t stop using niacin completely. They note that the increasing use of over-the-counter supplements made with various forms of niacin has become popular for its purported anti-aging properties. According to the researchers, their use should be discussed with a specialist.
Previously found The link between irritability and heart disease.