Can vitamin B3 lower skin cancer risk?

A type of vitamin B3 known as nicotinamide could protect skin cells from cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation damage, according to a news report from NPR.

The news report described the findings of a recent study published in JAMA Dermatology. Researchers examined the effects of over-the-counter nicotinamide among a group of 34,000 participants. They discovered that those who received the supplement — particularly those with a prior history of skin cancer — had a reduced incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancers. Further, a regimen of 500-milligram doses of nicotinamide twice daily for a period of one month lowered the risk of skin cancer by more than 50% compared with those who didn’t receive the supplement.

The findings supported previous findings linking nicotinamide to skin cell protection. The researchers hope the positive results of their study can encourage the earlier administration of nicotinamide in all patients who have experienced skin cancer. They also plan to further explore the benefits of the supplement among individuals who have precancerous skin changes or have never had a skin cancer diagnosis.

Read more: NPR

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