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Experts Warn of Rising Vitamin B6 Toxicity in Electrolyte Drinks and Supplements: Essential Insights You Need

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Awareness is increasing about the rare but serious side effects associated with high doses of vitamin B6, a nutrient commonly found in various dietary supplements, electrolyte drinks, and fortified foods.

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays a crucial role in multiple bodily functions, such as nerve health, protein metabolism, and blood sugar regulation. This nutrient is vital for brain development, making it especially important during pregnancy and infancy. It is often marketed for its energy-boosting and stress-reducing properties.

Vitamin B6 is naturally present in many foods and is frequently added to instant products, particularly cereals. As indicated by the Office of Dietary Supplements, most multivitamins are formulated with B6.

Jamie Allan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, noted that some energy drinks utilize B6 as a caffeine substitute.

“People may be surprised at how prevalent B vitamins are in their diets,” she explains.

This widespread availability contributes to the issue.

Dr. Norman Latoff, a neurologist and director of the Peripheral Neuropathy Clinical Research Center at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, cautioned that excessive B6 can accumulate in body tissues and lead to nerve damage.

In November, concerns about vitamin B6 poisoning led the Australian Government to impose restrictions on supplements with high levels of this nutrient. By mid-2027, over-the-counter products will be limited to a daily dose of 50 milligrams, with anything above 200mg requiring a prescription.

Despite growing concerns, the popularity of vitamin B6 continues to rise. According to research firm IndustrieArk, the market for this vitamin is projected to surpass $712 million globally by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 5.8% from 2024 to 2030.

While cases of poisoning remain rare, the number is on the rise. In 2024 alone, 439 cases of vitamin B6 exposure were reported, compared to 369 in 2023, according to the National Toxic Substance Data System.

Joanne Slavin, a registered dietitian and professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota, expressed that many individuals assume water-soluble vitamins like B6 to be harmless. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, which are stored in the liver and fatty tissues, water-soluble vitamins are released through urine and need to be consumed regularly.

“It’s essential to understand that vitamins are not inert; they are chemicals,” explains Slavin. “There’s no need to overload your system.”

B6 toxicity might go underreported since symptoms develop gradually, with many consumers unaware of their excessive intake. “It sneaks up on you,” said Latoff, who estimates that 5% to 10% of neuropathy patients at Weill Cornell Center present with elevated B6 levels.

Early symptoms can include occasional numbness in the toes, which might be dismissed, followed by sensations of heat, cold, stinging, or tingling that begin in the feet and may extend upward.

Additional symptoms of B6 toxicity include nerve pain, numbness, imbalance, muscle weakness, fluctuations in blood pressure, fatigue, heartburn, and nausea.

A simple blood test can confirm if your B6 levels exceed safe limits.

“B6 has a wide margin of safety, allowing for significant amounts above the recommended dose,” remarked Allan. “However, excessive consumption of even water can lead to adverse effects.”

Colorado Woman Shares Her ‘Horrifying’ Vitamin B6 Poisoning Experience

Blair Huddy relocated to Colorado from California in 2024 and began using electrolyte drink mixes on advice from others to combat altitude sickness.

Hadi, now 36, took the drink daily, following the instructions to mix one sachet with 16 ounces of water. Each packet contained 1.93 mg of vitamin B6, which is about 110% of the recommended daily value.

She soon began experiencing bewildering symptoms like dizziness, heart palpitations, and adrenaline rushes while continuing her electrolyte routine, clueless about the correlation. By January 2025, she also suffered from allergy-like symptoms and sleep disturbances. It wasn’t until March, after consuming chicken liver for the first time (which is rich in vitamin B6), that she was hospitalized with anaphylaxis and suspected heart complications.

Without prior allergic reactions, the situation baffled doctors.

“It was terrifying. I didn’t understand what was happening to me,” she recounted. “I continued taking the drink mix thinking I was just staying hydrated.”

Following her hospital discharge, Hadi developed peripheral neuropathy and tinnitus.

“I visited the doctor repeatedly, convinced something was seriously wrong,” Hadi explained, expressing feelings of exhaustion and anxiety triggered by these health issues. “I lost jobs and faced challenges at work.”

In May, she urged her doctor to conduct a blood test.

The clinic nurse informed her, “Your vitamin B6 levels are over twice the upper limit. You need to stop all B6 intake immediately.”

What is a Safe Amount of Vitamin B6?

The recommended daily intake for vitamin B6 is 1.3 mg for young adults, 1.5 mg for women over 50, and 1.7 mg for older men.

Foods rich in vitamin B6 include poultry, fish, beef liver, starchy vegetables, and non-citrus fruits. Most individuals receive sufficient B6 from their diet.

In the U.S., the established upper limit for adults is 100 mg. In contrast, the European Food Safety Authority caps it at 12 mg, while Australia sets the limit at 50 mg.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition, which represents supplement manufacturers, regards 100 mg per day as a safe limit for the average healthy individual. However, specific health conditions may necessitate adjusted intake levels.

“The individual’s metabolism and ability to process vitamins influences their needs,” says Wong. “Various other factors can also contribute to the effects you’re experiencing.”

A 2020 study published in Pharmaceutical Nutrition noted that factors such as diet, genetics, and medication use can affect vitamin B6 toxicity, even at recommended levels.

Vitamin B6 may appear on labels as pyridoxine, pyridoxal, or pyridoxamine, indicating its various chemical forms.

“Be sure to monitor the cumulative intake from all sources to ensure you meet your personal needs,” advises Wong.

Vitamin B6 remains in the body for 30 to 40 days. Latoff noted that symptoms should improve once B6 intake ceases, though complete nerve regeneration may not be possible based on the extent of damage.

Hadi attributes her symptoms to the electrolyte drink mix she consumed daily for six months, suspecting her diet also contributed, as she did not take other supplements.

While she is recovering, Hadi still experiences some ringing in her ears and is undergoing physical therapy. She has resumed work and is providing support for individuals dealing with vitamin B6 toxicity.

“I wish I had someone to share that suffering with, and now I can support others experiencing it,” Hadi expressed.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Common Vitamin D Supplements May Actually Decrease Your Vitamin D3 Levels

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A recent study reveals that taking vitamin D2 supplements can actually lower vitamin D3 levels in the body, according to a research published in Nutrition Reviews.

This finding comes at a time when health experts advise individuals to start replenishing vitamin D, especially as the Northern Hemisphere transitions into autumn.

Vitamin D plays a critical role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. The deficiency of this vitamin is prevalent globally; for instance, in the US, the rates are 31% among non-Hispanic Black adults.

Not all vitamin D is alike; it comes in two primary forms: Vitamin D2, which is derived from plants and mushrooms, and Vitamin D3, which is synthesized in the skin when exposed to sunlight and can also be found in animal products like oily fish.

During summer months, individuals living in higher latitudes can typically produce sufficient amounts of vitamin D through sun exposure. However, as autumn and winter approach, the sun’s angle is often insufficient for this to occur.

“People often produce vitamin D on sunny days in October, November, and December,” said Professor Susan Lanham-New, the Director of Nutrition Science at the University of Surrey and co-author of the study. This was reported by BBC Science Focus. “But they aren’t actually doing anything.”

A simple rule of thumb: If your shadow is not shorter than your height, the sun is not strong enough for vitamin D3 production.

We analyzed 20 randomized controlled trials to assess the impact of vitamin D2 supplementation, as noted by Emily Brown, a doctoral researcher in the Lanham-New group. Of these trials, 18 participants receiving vitamin D2 exhibited lower levels of vitamin D3 when compared to placebo or control groups.

In northern latitudes during winter, our bodies cannot produce vitamin D even on sunny days – Credit: Getty

“We don’t want people to think that vitamin D2 is somehow harmful. That’s not the case,” Brown commented to BBC Science Focus. “While vitamin D2 does elevate overall vitamin D levels, vitamin D3 should be prioritized.”

A prior study indicated that vitamin D3 is converted more efficiently into its active form compared to vitamin D2, making it a preferable option for supplementation, particularly during the darker months.

Brown is currently planning to explore the reverse effect, specifically what happens to D2 levels when individuals take D3.

The findings are especially pertinent for vegans who cannot obtain D3 from conventional dietary sources. While vegan-friendly D3 is derived from lichens, it is not as widely accessible as D2.

In 2022, scientists also developed a GMO tomato capable of producing D3, and the Lanham-New team is currently investigating whether this can effectively boost human vitamin D levels.

“I was genuinely surprised to find that when I administered D2, my D3 levels fell even when compared to placebo,” Lanham-New said.

“There is a lot we need to investigate now, as the long-term implications might hinder our ability to meet necessary vitamin D levels, potentially worsening the situation,” she added.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Vitamin D Supplements May Reduce Levels of Certain Vitamin D Forms

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Vitamin D supplements are advised in many countries for the darker months

Olga Pankova/Getty Images

Consuming one variety of vitamin D supplement may lower levels of other forms that your body utilizes better, potentially impacting your immune response.

Our skin generates vitamin D when sunlight’s ultraviolet rays convert a protein known as 7-dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D3. With diminishing sunlight in autumn and winter, nations like the UK recommend taking supplements.

There are two primary types of these supplements: Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, derived from lanolin—a waxy substance found in sheep’s wool—and vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, primarily sourced from mushrooms. It was previously believed that the choice between the two wasn’t critical.

However, Emily Brown from the University of Surrey, UK, along with her team, carried out a meta-analysis encompassing 11 previously conducted randomized controlled trials involving vitamin D supplements, with 655 participants overall.

They discovered that taking vitamin D2 could diminish your body’s concentration of vitamin D3. The reasons behind this phenomenon remain unclear, as does whether vitamin D3 supplements might lower vitamin D2 levels.

Moreover, several studies revealed that individuals taking vitamin D2 had reduced levels of vitamin D3 when compared to those not supplementing. “This is an unprecedented finding,” states Brown.

A 2022 study indicates that D2 and D3 have overlapping functions but distinct roles in immune support. For instance, vitamin D3 is seen to activate the Type I interferon signaling pathway, which acts as an initial defense against pathogens.

Brown suggests that vitamin D3 supplements could be more advantageous for most individuals than vitamin D2, yet personal factors like ingredient preferences should be considered, especially for those avoiding animal products.

She also emphasizes that individuals shouldn’t discontinue vitamin D2. “If you’re taking vitamin D2 supplements, your overall vitamin D levels should be adequate, but they are less effective and may result in a reduction of their extra functions concerning immune support.”

Ouliana Ziouzenkova at Ohio State University is studying this in older adults. The conversion of vitamin D3 to its active form, calcitriol, can reduce its efficacy, indicating that D2 supplementation may be especially beneficial for this demographic.

“If no adverse effects are evident, a vegan individual with vitamin D deficiency would be wise to opt for a D2 supplement,” explains Bernadette Moore from the University of Liverpool, UK.

Fortunately, plant-based vitamin D3 is becoming more widely available. For instance, a recent development involves gene-edited tomatoes capable of producing vitamin D3, although examinations are still ongoing.

Team member Susan Ranham New from the University of Surrey hopes the findings will highlight the importance of vitamin D supplements. “Many individuals in the UK, especially in northern areas, suffer from mild osteomalacia during winter, a condition linked to vitamin D deficiency, resulting in lethargy, bone pain, muscle issues, and increased sensitivity to infections and fatigue.”

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Truth About Sports Supplements: Performance Enhancer or Just a Placebo?

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This summer, tart cherry juice emerged as a popular choice during the Tour de France. Cyclists engaged in the three-week race throughout July were frequently seen taking supplements at the end of their daily rides.

In other sports, soccer players and tennis athletes have been noted for using pickle juice, while competitors from various events have turned to baking soda gels. These are just the latest wave of sports supplements capturing the spotlight. Yet, what benefits do they truly offer athletes?

Which supplements actually work?

Athletes across all levels frequently use supplements for a myriad of reasons. Professionals may rely on them to obtain high doses of essential nutrients in concentrated forms to support the substantial energy demands of endurance events.

For instance, creatine, a substance naturally produced in the body and found in protein-rich foods like meat, serves as a quick source of muscle energy. Some research indicates that athletes can take up to 20g of creatine daily to sustain their body’s reserves—equivalent to consuming about 4kg (8 pounds) of steak.

“In that sense, it should be taken as a supplement, as eating that much meat is quite impractical,” states Dr. Stephen Bailey, an expert in exercise physiology at Loughborough University in the UK.

Supplements can also enhance athletic performance. Bailey asserts that while athletes should prioritize nutritious diets, hydration, and optimized training, supplements can offer that extra edge when everything else is in place.

“In elite sports, the difference between winning and losing is often very slim,” he remarks. “If you’re excelling in every other area and seeking that slight improvement, [supplements] can potentially yield significant performance gains.”

Ketone drinks are becoming increasingly popular among elite endurance athletes aiming to gain a competitive edge. As the body converts fat to energy during prolonged exercise, it generates molecules called ketones, which serve as an alternative fuel source for muscles and the brain, alongside glucose, the body’s primary energy source.

“Ketones are there to supplement glucose levels,” explains Professor Kieran Clark, a biochemist at Oxford University.

Clark and her team developed a ketone drink that has been shown to allow professional cyclists to ride an additional 400m (1,300 feet) over an average span of 30 minutes compared to those consuming energy drinks rich in carbohydrates and fats.

Additionally, ketones may enhance cognitive function. At the end of a long day, Tour de France riders may struggle with strategic thinking due to low glucose levels.

“This is where [ketone drinks] can be particularly beneficial,” Clark notes.

Sports supplements may also aid in recovery post-competition. For instance, tart cherry juice exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.

“It’s an effective method for managing post-exercise inflammation,” Bailey states. “This could help alleviate pain.”

Challenges

Despite their potential benefits, a major issue with sports supplements is determining their effectiveness. While the market is saturated with various claims, many products lack rigorous testing.

“There’s significant financial motivation within the nutritional supplement industry,” notes Floris Wardenard, an associate professor of sports nutrition at Arizona State University. “Starting a supplement business is quite straightforward; nearly anyone can create a product without the necessary expertise.”

Even studies may be conducted on lab muscle cells, but not necessarily on human subjects.

A consensus statement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2018 identified just five supplements: caffeine, creatine, nitrate, beta-alanine, and sodium bicarbonate as supported for athletic performance. These were the only supplements backed by solid evidence demonstrating performance enhancement in specific scenarios.

The components in supplements are not always transparent – Photo credit: Getty

Beyond concerns regarding effectiveness, the risk of contamination presents another challenge. Although supplements are treated as food in the UK, regulating their contents can be difficult (in the US, they face even less stringent regulations).

Consequently, impurities can be inadvertently introduced during manufacturing, and analyses of supplements have revealed banned substances like anabolic steroids in 14-15% of tested samples.

Athletes typically consume multiple supplements, increasing the risk of contamination. Even small quantities of banned substances across different products could accumulate, potentially resulting in positive doping tests and subsequent disqualifications.

“Utilizing a third-party testing organization is advisable to ensure that a supplement truly contains what an athlete is seeking as indicated on its label,” he advises.

Evolving Landscape

The question of whether certain substances in sports supplements should be banned remains ambiguous. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), an independent international organization designed to combat doping in sports, prohibits substances meeting two of the following three criteria:

  • Enhance sports performance
  • Pose genuine health risks to athletes
  • Contradict the principles of fair play

This list is reviewed annually to adapt to substances that are becoming more prevalent and potentially misused.

For example, caffeine was previously included on the WADA Prohibited List, but in 2004, its usage was reinstated for several reasons, including the view that its performance benefits were minimal and its widespread presence in food and beverages made regulation challenging.

Additionally, understanding how supplements affect athletes can be complex, as reactions differ among individuals. For instance, some may feel the effects of caffeine after one cup, while others require two or three.

Bailey highlights that the issue of personalized supplementation is gaining traction. Genetic testing techniques are being employed to examine how athletes’ genetic profiles influence their responses to nutrients and other dietary components.

Gender considerations are now influencing supplement recommendations. For example, varying amounts of carbohydrates and proteins are suggested for male and female athletes, along with inquiries into whether women require different supplements at various phases of their menstrual cycle or if the effects of contraceptives should be addressed.

As new formulations continue to emerge, athletes may increasingly benefit from improved supplement options. For instance, sodium bicarbonate (essentially baking soda) is commonly used to counteract lactic acid buildup, which causes fatigue during intense exercise. However, it can lead to gastrointestinal distress, including nausea and diarrhea. Many companies have started producing hydrogels that release baking soda more evenly throughout the gastrointestinal tract to mitigate this.

“Innovations in food technology are ongoing,” Bailey observes. “Sodium bicarbonate is currently prominent in elite cycling, and further research is needed to better understand its implications.”

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Studies Suggest Common Vitamin Supplements May Help Slow Aging

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Recent studies indicate that daily vitamin D intake can assist in managing the effects of aging.

Research has shown that supplementing with vitamin D for four years could potentially offset the aging process by about three years.

Prior studies have suggested that vitamin D supplements may help mitigate some prominent aging signs linked to various age-related diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia.

To explore this hypothesis, researchers from Mass General Brigham and Georgia Medical University examined the findings of previous trials. In this experiment, over 55 women and more than 50 men participated, taking either Vitamin D, Omega 3, or a placebo daily for five years.

The recent study assessed telomere length, concentrating on 1,054 participants who underwent specific tests at the beginning of the trial, as well as in their second and fourth years.

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences that protect chromosomes. Professor Morten Schiebye-Knudsen from the University of Copenhagen, who was not involved in the study, noted in BBC Science Focus Magazine.

Telomeres safeguard chromosome ends and prevent fusion or degradation – Credit: Getty Images/Knopprit

“Consider them like the plastic tips on shoelaces. They prevent chromosomes from fraying and sticking to each other, which helps maintain genetic stability during cell division,” he explained.

With each cell division, telomeres shorten slightly. If they become too short, the cell loses its ability to divide, leading to cell dysfunction.

The study found that participants taking vitamin D exhibited significantly reduced telomere shortening, effectively preventing nearly three years of aging.

This finding could offer valuable insights into promoting longer health spans, as telomere shortening is linked to various age-related diseases.

“I often refer to these cells as angry old men. They lose functionality, become inactive, and worsen over time, negatively impacting their environment,” Schiebye-Knudsen remarked.

“Telomere shortening may lead to older, more dysfunctional cells, resulting in increased inflammation in our bodies, particularly in rapidly dividing cells, like those in bone marrow, skin, and hair.”

About our experts

Morten Schiebye-Knudsen serves as an associate professor at the Faculty of Cellular Molecular Medicine at the University of Copenhagen.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Omega-3 Supplements may slow down the process of biological aging

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Omega-3 Supplements may be an easy way to slowden aging

EVGENIIA SIANKOVSKAIA/Getty Images

Omega 3 supplements every day, especially when combined with vitamin D and exercise, seems to slow the biological aging of the elderly.

We already knew that “good” fat, which is seen in seeds, nuts, and fish can enhance immunity, heart health, and brain function.

They are also linked to changes “Epigi Nete” markerDNA chemical tags that change the activity of the gene and the behavior of cells. This suggests that Omega 3 reduces pace Biological agingIn many cases, it is defined as a measure of how fast someone has deteriorated, compared to the body of the general group.

To explore this further Heike Bischoff-Ferrari The University of Zurich and her colleagues divided 777 Switzerland, 70 and 91, into eight groups. They also wanted to know how Omega-3 works along with vitamin D supplements and exercise.

“Omega-3 plays on multiple routes of aging, such as anti-inflammatoryness. Similarly, vitamin D and exercise have multiple advantages,” says Bischoff-Ferrari. “Did we think that there are additional advantages if you play in each of these differential routes?”

Some participants had already taken these supplements at the start of the research or doing strength training. According to Bischoff-Ferrari, it was not ethical to stop exercising or stop taking specific supplements, so it was allowed to continue.

In addition to the existing lifestyle habits, each group was told to have a variety of combinations of one grams of Omega-3, placebo tablets, and 2000 international unit vitamin D. Muscle training three times a week.

For example, some people have been asked to take 3 tablets of omega, take vitamin D supplements, and do additional strength training, or have been asked to take vitamin D with strength training. I didn't take Omega 3.

At the start of the research, researchers estimated the biological age of the participants using the “Epi Nete Watch”, which was previously developed by teams and other researchers. These analyzed a DNA marker called methyl group in a blood sample that generally decrease with age and impairs cell function.

Through the same three years later, the scientists have been told to take Omega 3, aging only about three months less than employees who are only given placebo pills. I discovered that there was no. They explained the factors that could affect the results, such as the actual age, gender, weight, and height of the participants.

“This is today's biggest test that suggests that simple supplements contribute to the slowdown of biological aging,” says Bischoff-Ferrari.

Furthermore, those who took Omega-3 with vitamin D and did less tension training compared to those who did not introduce any of these habits as part of the trial. “The effect was somewhat remarkable, and it was almost four months of rejuvenation,” says Bischoff-Ferrari.

These effects may seem small, but it may be important for some people. Richard Siou At King Scarage Rondon. “This is more important for the elderly, because it may be more likely to decrease in age in about three months,” he says.

However, epigenetic watches are not a complete scale of biological aging. “Just because DNA's biomarker indicates that you resemble a young person does not necessarily mean that you are healthy in some way,” says SIOW.

Further research says that it is necessary to evaluate what changes in measures such as cognitive, motor skills, and heart health mean. The Bischoff-Ferrari team analyzes participants' data on these results.

Another restriction of this study was that the participants were relatively healthy and active, and there was almost no lack of vitamin D. Bischoff-Ferrari says that there is a need for a further research in which people who live in other countries without these characteristics and young people in other countries are involved.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Supplements containing resistant starch could assist in weight loss

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Raw oats are a natural source of resistant starch

Mark Oliver/Alamy

Supplements containing resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that takes time to digest, helped people moderately lose weight in a small trial.

Resistant starch is naturally found in beans, whole grains, raw oats, and green bananas, and is also formed when common starchy foods like potatoes, pasta, and rice cool after cooking.

Resistant starch comes in several different forms, but what they have in common is that the structure of the molecule means that it is not easily digested and absorbed in the small intestine.

Therefore, the starch reaches further into the intestine, into the large intestine, where it is digested by bacteria. This means that starch is classified as a prebiotic.

Although some previous studies have suggested that this starch can help with weight loss, Lihuatei Researchers from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in China studied its effects on gut bacteria.

Researchers asked 37 overweight people to consume sachets of starch mixed with water twice a day before meals. For eight weeks they were given resistant starch, and for a further eight weeks they were given packets containing regular starch as a comparison. Participants were also provided with three balanced meals a day and various health indicators were measured.

After consuming resistant starch for eight weeks, people lost an average of 2.8 kilograms, while regular starch had no effect on weight. Resistant starch causes less rise in blood sugar levels after meals and is considered to be good for health.

Stool samples revealed that while people consumed resistant starch, the numbers of several bacterial species increased in their intestines. When these bacteria were transplanted into mice fed a high-fat diet, they appeared to have a weight-loss effect.

Rebecca McManamon A spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association said the trial was too small to be conclusive, but the results were plausible. “These outcomes are natural,” she says.

However, some people with irritable bowel syndrome may feel bloated and uncomfortable when they eat resistant starch, as the bacteria produce gas as they break down, she says.

topic:

  • carbohydrates/
  • weight loss

Source: www.newscientist.com

Niacin, Vitamin B3 Supplements Linked to Higher Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

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Niacin, or vitamin B3, is a popular supplement

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People with high levels of niacin (also known as vitamin B3) in their blood may be more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people with low levels of niacin. Consuming too much of this vitamin, which is routinely added to fortified foods and can also be taken as a supplement, can cause inflammation in blood vessels.

Heart attacks and strokes are the leading causes of death worldwide. Although researchers have made great strides over the past few decades in discovering risk factors for these conditions, they have not identified them all.

“If treated [high] cholesterol and [high] You can still have a heart attack even if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other pre-existing risk factors. ”Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. “There's something we're missing.”

To fill these gaps, Hazen and his colleagues collected blood samples from 2,331 U.S. adults and 832 European adults who chose to undergo cardiovascular testing. The researchers analyzed the samples for substances called metabolites, which are byproducts of metabolic processes such as digestion. The researchers then tracked participants' occurrence of cardiac events, such as heart attacks and strokes, over a three-year period.

The researchers found that people with high levels of a metabolite called 4PY were, on average, about 60 percent more likely to experience such an event than those with lower levels. This compound only occurs when the body breaks down excess niacin.

Further experiments revealed that 4PY inflamed blood vessels in rodents. We know that inflammation is a major contributor to the development of heart disease, Hazen said.

It's not uncommon for people to have high niacin levels, he says. This is partly because certain foods, such as cereals and flour, are routinely fortified with vitamins in countries including the UK and US.

Niacin supplements are also becoming more popular Evidence suggests it has anti-aging effects says Hazen. Additionally, doctors stopped prescribing high doses of niacin to people at risk for cardiovascular disease because it was initially thought that the vitamin protected people from the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol. It happened recently.

“I think this study really shows that when it comes to vitamins, sometimes you can have too much of a good thing,” he says. Jenny Jia at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois.

However, this study was primarily conducted on people of European descent. So it's unclear whether similar results would occur in people of different racial or ethnic backgrounds, Zia said.

topic:

  • heart attack/
  • Heart disease

Source: www.newscientist.com