A new study is hopeful about Vitamin B3 for the prevention of skin cancer
A scientific study funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council explored the potential of vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) in preventing skin cancer. It’s crucial to note that regular skin checks remain essential, and vitamin B3 isn’t a cure for existing cancer.
Methodology: In a 12-month, double-blind, randomised trial, 386 participants with a history of at least two nonmelanoma skin cancers were given either 500 mg of nicotinamide twice daily or a placebo. Dermatologists assessed them every three months for 18 months.
Results at 12 months: The nicotinamide group had a 23% lower rate of new nonmelanoma skin cancers (basal-cell + squamous-cell) compared to the placebo group. Additionally, there were reductions of 20% in basal-cell and 30% in squamous-cell carcinomas. Actinic keratoses (premalignant skin lesions) showed reductions of 11%, 14%, 20%, and 13% at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively.
Conclusion: Oral nicotinamide demonstrated both safety and efficacy in reducing the incidence of new nonmelanoma skin cancers and actinic keratoses in high-risk individuals. This study was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, with registration number ACTRN12612000625875 in the ONTRAC Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.
Once again, vitamin B3 may be playing a role in the prevention of skin cancer. However, regular skin checks are vitally important.
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