High Intake of Niacin Linked to Enhanced Lung Function and Lower COPD Risk

A new study published in the Scientific Reports suggests that a high intake of niacin is linked to enhanced lung function and a lower risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent lung condition, primarily characterized by airflow obstruction resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli. Evidence regarding the association between dietary niacin intake and COPD is limited.

Study Overview

The study investigates the relationship between dietary niacin intake and the prevalence and incidence of COPD in the adult population of the United States, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003 to 2018. Data on niacin intake were extracted through dietary intake interviews. COPD diagnoses were based on lung function, medical history, and medication usage. The association between niacin consumption and COPD was analyzed using multiple logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models.

Results

The study included 7,055 adult participants, divided into:

• COPD group (n = 243; 3.44%)
• Non-COPD group (n = 6,812; 96.56%)

Those with COPD had lower average niacin intake (21.39 ± 0.62 mg/day) compared to the non-COPD group (25.29 ± 0.23 mg/day, p < 0.001). In the adjusted multivariable model, the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for COPD in the highest versus lowest quartile of dietary niacin intake were 0.55 (0.33 to 0.89, P for trend = 0.009). Subgroup analysis, after adjustment for various variables, revealed no significant interaction effects.

Conclusion

Dietary niacin intake was inversely associated with COPD prevalence in US adults. Participants with the highest dietary niacin intake demonstrated the lowest odds of COPD. The potential of dietary niacin supplementation as a strategy to mitigate COPD warrants further investigation.

Reference

Li, WW., Ren, KL., Yu, J. et al. Association of dietary niacin intake with the prevalence and incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Sci Rep 14, 2863 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53387-4