Tag: 4py

Niacin is a water-soluble B-vitamin, meaning the body doesn't store it and eliminates excess amounts through urine. While this prevents accumulation from dietary sources, high-dose supplements can overload the body's natural processing capabilities, leading to potential toxicity and unwanted side effects.

According to a 2024 study published in *Nature Medicine*, excess niacin is metabolized into a byproduct called 4PY, which can directly promote vascular inflammation. This discovery helps explain the 'niacin paradox' and adds a crucial new dimension to the question of can niacin increase inflammation.

For decades, doctors prescribed high doses of the B vitamin niacin to improve cholesterol profiles. This article explores the history and science behind which B vitamin helps lower cholesterol, explaining why this approach is now outdated and potentially harmful, and what safer, modern alternatives exist.

While prescription niacin was once a cornerstone for managing high cholesterol, recent landmark research has uncovered a concerning link between high doses and an increased risk of cardiac events. This has led many to critically re-examine the question: is niacin good for cholesterol, or are its risks too significant?