U.S. researchers on Thursday found that a vitamin that raises people's High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol did not prevent heart attacks. In response to the findings, the National Institute of Health (NIH) halted a major study on high-dose niacin, a type-B vitamin, more than a year ahead of schedule because of the lack of benefit. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the main source of artery clogs, and researchers found that people using popular statin drugs used to lower LDL continue to suffer heart attacks. Scientists are testing whether adding various drugs to statin drugs would increase HDL cholesterol enough to protect the heart. The newest study tested Abbot Laboratories' Niaspan, an extended-release form of niacin that is a far higher does than is found in dietary supplements. The drug has been sold for years, and previous studies have shown that it does increase HDL levels. The Niaspan users saw their HDL levels rise, but the combination treatment did not reduce heart attacks, strokes, or the need for artery-clearing procedures, the NIH said.
