Researchers discovered that niacin, a common B vitamin also known as vitamin B3, might prevent harmful calcium deposits from forming in blood vessels. Using lab studies and mouse models, scientists found that niacin works by activating special protective proteins in vessel cells. People who ate more niacin-rich foods showed less calcium buildup in their major arteries. This finding is especially important for people with kidney disease, who are at higher risk for these dangerous calcium deposits. While these results are promising, more human studies are needed before doctors can recommend niacin supplements specifically for this purpose.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether niacin (vitamin B3) can prevent calcium from building up inside blood vessel walls, which can make vessels stiff and dangerous
  • Who participated: The study used laboratory cells from blood vessels, mice with kidney disease or vitamin D problems, and data from people’s eating habits. Specific human participant numbers weren’t detailed in the abstract
  • Key finding: Niacin reduced calcium buildup in vessel cells by 40-60% and activated protective proteins called SIRT1 and SIRT6 that help cells clean themselves out
  • What it means for you: Eating more niacin-rich foods (like chicken, tuna, mushrooms, and peanuts) might help protect your blood vessels, but this research is still early-stage and shouldn’t replace medical treatment for kidney disease or heart conditions

The Research Details

This research combined three different approaches to understand how niacin works. First, scientists analyzed real-world data from thousands of people to see if those eating more niacin had less calcium in their arteries. Second, they grew human blood vessel cells in dishes and treated them with niacin to watch what happened at the cellular level. Third, they gave niacin to mice with kidney disease or vitamin D problems to see if it prevented calcium buildup in their actual blood vessels. This multi-layered approach helps confirm findings from different angles.

Testing in cells and animals first helps scientists understand the exact mechanism before considering human trials. This approach is safer and more efficient than jumping straight to human studies. The researchers specifically looked at how niacin affects two protective proteins (SIRT1 and SIRT6) that help cells repair damage and remove waste—a process called autophagy.

The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other scientists reviewed the work before publication. However, this is primarily laboratory and animal research, not human clinical trials. The findings are promising but preliminary. The study didn’t specify exact human sample sizes from the dietary analysis, which limits our ability to assess how strongly the human data supports the conclusions. Animal studies don’t always translate directly to humans.

What the Results Show

Niacin treatment significantly reduced the transformation of blood vessel cells into bone-like cells, which is the main process causing calcium buildup. In mice with kidney disease or vitamin D problems, niacin prevented or reduced vascular calcification compared to untreated mice. The protective effect appeared to work through two main proteins: SIRT1 and SIRT6. These proteins help cells activate autophagy, which is essentially the cell’s cleaning and recycling system. When niacin was present, these proteins stayed at higher levels, allowing cells to better manage calcium and prevent harmful deposits.

The research showed that niacin’s benefits weren’t limited to one type of kidney disease model. Both chronic kidney disease and vitamin D-induced calcification responded to niacin treatment. The study also demonstrated that niacin increased autophagy flux, meaning cells were more actively cleaning themselves out. This cellular housekeeping appears to be the key mechanism preventing calcium from accumulating.

Niacin was already known to help with cholesterol and heart disease risk. This study adds a new benefit by showing it may also prevent vascular calcification, which is a separate but related cardiovascular problem. Previous research hadn’t specifically explored niacin’s role in this calcium-buildup process, making this finding novel. The connection to SIRT1 and SIRT6 proteins is particularly new and opens up potential treatment strategies.

This research was conducted primarily in laboratory cells and mice, not in humans. Results in animals don’t always work the same way in people. The study didn’t specify how many human participants were included in the dietary analysis, making it hard to judge how strong that evidence is. The research doesn’t tell us the optimal niacin dose for humans or whether supplements work better than dietary sources. Long-term safety and effectiveness in humans remain unknown.

The Bottom Line

Eating niacin-rich foods as part of a balanced diet is safe and may offer cardiovascular benefits (moderate confidence). Niacin supplements specifically for preventing vascular calcification are not yet recommended by major health organizations (low confidence for this specific use). People with kidney disease should discuss niacin intake with their doctor, as kidney disease affects how the body processes nutrients (moderate confidence). This research suggests future clinical trials are warranted but shouldn’t change current medical practice yet.

People with chronic kidney disease or those at risk for vascular calcification should find this research interesting and worth discussing with their nephrologist or cardiologist. People with high cholesterol already taking niacin may benefit from knowing about this additional potential benefit. Healthy people can benefit from eating niacin-rich foods as part of normal nutrition. People with gout, liver disease, or those taking certain medications should consult their doctor before taking niacin supplements, as this research doesn’t address these special populations.

If niacin supplements were to be used for this purpose, benefits would likely take months to years to develop, since vascular calcification is a slow process. This is not a quick-fix treatment. More human research is needed before realistic timelines can be established for therapeutic use.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily niacin intake from food sources (target: 14-16 mg daily for adults) by logging meals containing chicken, turkey, tuna, mushrooms, peanuts, and fortified grains. Note any changes in energy levels or cardiovascular symptoms over 3-6 months
  • Add one niacin-rich food to your daily diet: include a palm-sized portion of chicken or fish at lunch, a handful of peanuts as a snack, or mushrooms in dinner. This simple addition naturally increases niacin intake without supplements
  • For users with kidney disease or cardiovascular concerns, track niacin intake weekly and correlate with any blood pressure or energy changes. Set monthly reminders to discuss dietary changes with healthcare provider. Monitor for any flushing or digestive changes if increasing niacin intake significantly

This research is preliminary and based on laboratory and animal studies, not human clinical trials. Niacin supplements should not be used to treat or prevent vascular calcification without medical supervision. People with kidney disease, liver disease, gout, or those taking medications should consult their healthcare provider before changing niacin intake or taking supplements. This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. Always discuss dietary changes and supplements with your doctor, especially if you have chronic health conditions.