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# Niacin Unsafe
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/niacin_unsafe_0801140252/
- Published: 2014-08-01T15:50:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T11:08:49.000Z
- Description: In the HPS2-THRIVE study of 25,673 participants followed four years, extended-release niacin carried a 9 percent higher risk of death than placebo and did not cut heart attack or stroke risk, according to a New England Journal of Medicine report.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Vitamins, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

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**Niacin Unsafe**

Niacin—the B-vitamin often taken as a supplement to reduce triglycerides—appears to increase mortality risk, according to a study published in the *New England Journal of Medicine*. Researchers investigated the effects of an extended-release niacin on 25,673 participants as part of the Heart Protection Study 2–Treatment of HDL to Reduce the Incidence of Vascular Events (HPS2-THRIVE) study over four years. Those who took the niacin drug had a 9 percent increased risk for death, compared with the placebo group. Niacin did not reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

The HPS2-THRIVE Collaborative Group, Landray MJ, Haynes R, et al. Effects of extended release niacin with laropiprant in high-risk patients. *N Engl J Med*. 2014;371:203-212.

Lloyd-Jones DM. Niacin and HDL cholesterol—time to face facts. *N Engl J Med.* 2014;371:271-273.

Anderson TJ, Boden WE, Desvigne-Nickens P, et al. Safety profile of extended-release niacin in the AIM-HIGH trial. *N Engl J Med.* 2014;371:288-290.