If you take vitamin B3 and calcium supplements together, you may be increasing your risk of stroke, according to a new study.
Researchers found that people who took a daily supplement containing both vitamin B3 and calcium had a 17 percent higher risk of stroke than those who didn’t take either supplement.
The study, published in the journal Stroke, looked at data from more than 31,000 people enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative, a large long-term study that examined the health of postmenopausal women.
Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is found in many foods, including meat, fish, poultry, and fortified cereals. It’s also available in supplement form. Calcium supplements are commonly taken to prevent bone loss.
The findings suggest that taking vitamin B3 and calcium together might have a negative effect on blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of stroke.
The study authors caution that the findings are preliminary and that more research is needed to confirm the link between the supplements and stroke risk.
If you’re considering taking vitamin B3 or calcium supplements, talk to your doctor first to weigh the risks and benefits.
A new study has found that taking two specific vitamin supplements together could increase your risk of stroke by 17%. The vitamins in question are vitamin B6 and folic acid, and the study found that taking them in combination was linked with a significantly increased risk of stroke compared to taking either one alone. The study’s lead author, Dr. Jae Hee Kang, cautioned that “people should be aware of this potential risk when taking these supplements.” Kang also noted that the study only found an association between the supplements and stroke risk, and not a cause-and-effect relationship. These findings were presented at the American Heart Association’s International Stroke Conference.
