Nicotinamide is a type of vitamin B3 that has been shown in a recent study to possibly lower the chance of getting skin cancer. The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine & Surgery released the results of a study done by experts from Laval University in Canada.
These results show that nicotinamide might be a good and inexpensive way to avoid getting some types of skin cancer.
One of the most common types of cancer in the world is skin cancer. Skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are most often caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
A person is more likely to get another skin cancer if they have had one before or if they have actinic keratosis, which are skin blemishes that are not yet cancerous.
What Is Nicotinamide?
This is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that can be found in foods like meat, fish, and whole grains. It is also known as niacinamide. It is an important part of making energy and fixing DNA.
Nicotinamide is thought to help the skin heal from UV damage and lower the risk of getting skin cancer.
Key Findings from the Study
It was a systematic review and meta-analysis, which means that it looked at data from more than one research project.
To find out how well nicotinamide works at preventing skin cancer, researchers looked at data from 29 clinical trials with more than 3,000 subjects.
Here are some of the key findings:
- Nicotinamide reduced the overall risk of developing new skin cancers by 50%.
- The vitamin showed significant benefits in preventing BCC and cSCC, the two most common forms of skin cancer.
- Participants who took 500 mg of nicotinamide twice daily for at least 12 months saw the most significant protective effects.
- While the supplement was generally safe, some users experienced mild digestive side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea.
How Does Nicotinamide Work?
Scientists believe that nicotinamide helps the skin in multiple ways:
- DNA Repair – UV rays hurt the DNA in skin cells, which can lead to changes that can turn into cancer. Nicotinamide makes it easier for the body to fix this damage.
- Boosts Immune Function – The skin is more likely to get cancer because the sun weakens the immune system. In the skin, nicotinetinamide helps keep the defence system working well.
- Reduces Inflammation – Skin cancer is linked to redness that lasts for a long time. Nicotinamide may lower this chance because it lowers inflammation.
Who Can Benefit from Nicotinamide?
Doctors recommend nicotinamide primarily for individuals with a high risk of developing skin cancer, such as:
- People with a history of BCC or cSCC.
- Those with multiple actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous skin spots).
- Organ transplant recipients, who are at a higher risk of skin cancer due to immune-suppressing medications.
- Individuals who spend long hours in the sun due to their occupation or lifestyle.
Nicotinamide is safe for most people as long as they take it in the right amounts (500 mg twice a day in this case). But taking too much (more than 3 grammes per day) could hurt your liver. A few people may also feel some mild stomach pain.
How to Use Nicotinamide for Skin Cancer Prevention
If you are considering nicotinamide for skin cancer prevention, here are some key points:
- Consult Your Doctor – While nicotinamide is available over the counter, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
- Use Sunscreen – Nicotinamide is not a replacement for sunscreen. Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
- Stay Consistent – Studies show that regular use for at least one year is necessary to see significant benefits.
To Sum It Up
Nicotinamide looks like a good and cheap way to lower the chance of skin cancer, especially for people who have had the disease before.
More study needs to be done to confirm the long-term effects of this vitamin, but what we know so far suggests that it could be a useful addition to efforts to prevent skin cancer.
Nicotinamide, along with sun protection and regular skin checks, could be a simple but effective way for people who are at risk to keep their skin healthy and lower their risk of getting cancer.