Research Suggests Niacin Protects DNA from Damage

According to a new study, niacin may protect DNA from damage caused by ionizing radiation. In this study, researchers evaluated intake of B vitamins in airplane pilots. Airplane pilots are frequently studied due to the fact that they are exposed to large amounts on ionizing radiation, which can produce damage to DNA. In fact, NASA reports that flight crews on high altitude flights are exposed to more ionizing radiation on an annual basis than nuclear power plant workers. Likewise, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs states that radiation exposure may lead to various age-related health issues or increase incidence of abnormal growths.

In this new study, 82 male airline pilots were assessed for intake of B vitamins using a standardized questionnaire. The subjects were also evaluated to identify a form of chromosomal damage known as translocations in their lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.

The results of the study showed that as the dietary intake of niacin increased, the frequency of chromosomal translocations decreased. In the subjects with the highest intake of niacin, there was a 42 percent reduction in chromosomal translocations compared to the pilots with the lowest intake. The study also found reduced rate of translocations in the aviators that ate a diet high in whole grains and low in red meats plus processed meats. The study did not find a significant association between chromosomal translocations and intake of folic acid, riboflavin, vitamin B6 or vitamin B12.

The researchers concluded, “Our data suggest that a high intake of niacin from food or a diet high in whole grains but low in red and processed meat may protect against cumulative DNA damage in ionizing radiation-exposed persons.”

Reference:

Yong LC, Petersen MR. High dietary niacin intake is associated with decreased chromosome translocation frequency in airline pilots. Br J Nutr. 2010 Oct 8:1-9. Published Online Ahead of Print.