Vitamin B3 intake may cut mortality risk in NAFLD patients

A recent study conducted by researchers from Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China, suggests that a daily dietary intake of 20mg of niacin, also known as vitamin B3, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular-related mortality among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).   

The prevalence of NAFLD is on the rise worldwide, with estimates indicating a global prevalence of 32.4pc and a striking 47.8pc in the United States. This condition, characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, poses significant health risks, including an elevated risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease.

Published in the journal JAMA Network Open, the findings underscore the importance of dietary interventions in managing this liver condition.

Drawing upon data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the study analyzed information from 4,315 adults aged 20 years and older diagnosed with NAFLD. Through dietary interviews, researchers evaluated the participants' niacin intake, pivotal for its involvement in metabolic processes and cardiovascular health.

Participants consuming the highest daily niacin levels, exceeding 26.7 milligrams (mg), exhibited a noteworthy 30pc lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality and a 35pc lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with lower niacin intake, averaging 18.4mg or less per day.

The findings suggest that a daily intake of 20mg of niacin may have protective effects for individuals with NAFLD, underscoring the significance of balanced nutrition in improving liver health and overall well-being.

While highlighting the potential benefits of niacin intake, researchers caution that the study exclusively focused on dietary niacin and did not explore the effects of niacin supplementation. Additionally, the reliance on participants' dietary recall introduces potential inaccuracies in estimating niacin consumption.

Despite these limitations, the study adds to the body of evidence supporting dietary interventions in managing NAFLD and mitigating associated health risks.