High doses of niacin can prevent heart disease
8.0Strong
evidence
evidence
The Claim
It's believed that taking high doses of niacin can reduce cholesterol levels and therefore prevent heart disease, as niacin is known to affect lipid profiles.
Origin
This myth has roots in older studies from the 1970s and 1980s showing niacin's positive impact on cholesterol levels, which was widely publicized.
What Science Says
Recent meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that while niacin can improve lipid levels, it does not significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events compared to placebo. Studies found that any potential benefits are often outweighed by the risk of adverse effects, especially at high dosages.
Verdict
Mostly False
Sources
- PMID:27673306 Association Between Lowering LDL-C and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Among Different Therapeutic Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
- PMID:35365361 ESPEN micronutrient guideline.
- PMID:38374343 A terminal metabolite of niacin promotes vascular inflammation and contributes to cardiovascular disease risk.