Taking vitamins to supplement your diet may seem like a good idea to improve your overall health. After all, supplements are easy to find at most local stores. However, you may not consider that consuming too much of one nutrient can overload your body.
A recent study found that one in four U.S. adults exceeds the recommended daily intake of vitamin B3, also known as niacin, which helps convert food into energy. Researchers have found that consuming large amounts of this essential vitamin increases the risk of heart disease.
“When excess niacin is broken down, it produces the molecule 4PY, which directly causes vascular inflammation,” explains Dr. Hetal Gandhi, a cardiologist at Advocate Health Care. “This molecule increases the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.”
The recommended daily amount of vitamin B3 is 16 mg for men, 14 mg for women, and 18 mg during pregnancy.
Experts say most people get the recommended daily amount of niacin through their diet. This is the best way to get all your nutrients. Foods rich in vitamin B3 include various types of meat, nuts, legumes, and grains. It is also often found in fortified products such as bread and cereals.
So, do we need to be careful about consuming foods containing vitamin B3? Not exactly.
“While consuming foods high in vitamin B3 is generally not a concern, excessive intake in supplement form is a concern as it can negatively impact cardiovascular health,” says Dr. Gandhi.
If you want to improve your heart health, it’s best to look away from the supplement aisle and focus on your diet instead.
“While vitamin supplementation may contribute to improving overall health, research has not demonstrated a beneficial effect on improving cardiovascular health,” says Dr. Gandhi. “Instead, focus on eating a balanced diet that is low in saturated and trans fats. You’ll see how easy it is to achieve your recommended daily intake of vitamin B3 through diet alone.” ”
Please consult your health care provider before making any changes to your diet or starting any new supplements.
This article was first published About health news.
