Is This “Heart Health” Vitamin BACKFIRING? (What You Need to Know)
You probably already know just how crucial it is to keep your ticker in shape as candles get added to your birthday cake—and that’s especially true if you’ve got family history or other risk factors for heart disease.
Sure, maybe you already made some healthy adjustments per your doctor’s orders, like improving diet, exercising more, and losing some weight.
And MAYBE you’re even taking some vitamin B3, figuring it can help lower cholesterol and boost your heart health.
Well I’ve got some troubling news about B3 that may make you think twice…
Researchers discovered taking extra niacin (vitamin B3) over time can actually SPIKE hidden risks of strokes, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis. Talk about a slap in the face!
But wait, isn’t this vitamin supposed to be good for you? Well, yes B3 may indeed help cholesterol numbers. But here’s where things get tricky…
When your body breaks down this vitamin, it creates an inflammatory byproduct that damages your blood vessels and kickstarts plaque buildup.
So while B3 can lower LDL numbers, it also quietly elevates heart disease risk in the background over time.
What’s even more troubling is, it turns out 1 in 4 people are unknowingly exceeding recommended vitamin B3 intake.
Listen, news of yet another supplement getting lumped onto the “hazardous to your health” list can feel like a slap in the face. First hormones, then vitamins A, E, and K started raising red flags. Now B3 too?
But the key is moving forward with your eyes wide open when it comes to dosing with ANYTHING under the sun.
At the end of the day, more does not always equal better! And in this case, the old adage “too much of a good thing CAN actually be bad.
Also, remember each of our bodies process things differently. What’s good for you might not be good for the next person, and vice versa.
So next time you’re tempted to grab that B complex or niacin supplement to give your heart health an extra boost, pause for a moment. Read the dosage on the label to ensure you’re taking the right amount and be sure to talk to your doctor. See if it’s necessary or safe for YOU before just popping pills.
Your medical professional can help determine if your diet already supplies adequate B3 or if adding a conservative supplement makes sense.
And if you ARE taking niacin currently, schedule a blood test to check your level before continuing. Make sure you fall into the sweet spot range—not too low but certainly not too high.
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. Click here to learn about an “underground Omega-3” that PUMPS UP your heart health.
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