Paging Dr. Frischer: Vitamin B3

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association examines the relationship between vitamin b3 (nicotinamide, also known as niacin) and skin cancer prevention. I found it to be very promising.

It showed that this common dietary supplement could be effective in preventing non-melanoma skin cancers. The study looked at 33,000 veterans and found that vitamin b3 was linked to a 14% reduction in future skin cancers. The greatest benefit was found in those who started taking it after their first skin cancer diagnosis. Interestingly, the preventive effect wasn’t as strong in those who began taking nicotinamide after multiple skin cancers.

A possible explanation is that nicotinamide replenishes energy stores in our skin cells so that they can better repair DNA damage from UV exposure. Nicotinamide can also aid immune surveillance in the skin. These two mechanisms could mean that fewer UV damaged cells survive, mutate and progress to skin cancer.

It is important to note that this was a retrospective study, meaning that the scientists looked back in time without being able to control for other variables like sun habits, dedication to taking the nicotinamide, or frequency of skin checks. Also note that the population in the study was older and mostly male. Further prospective controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Nonetheless, for those who are at high risk, and in particular for those who have already had a skin cancer, it appears that taking 500 milligrams of nicotinamide twice daily could make a difference.

Nicotinamide has been used for some time to lower cholesterol, although lately it has been replaced by more effective and safer medications. Its most widely known side effect is the niacin flush, which can occur in doses higher than 50mg, and is harmless and temporary. Other side effects are possible, but not common, and include abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, blurred vision, low blood pressure, insulin resistance or hyperglycemia, liver inflammation, macular edema, and a potential increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

I urge you to remember that taking vitamin b3 should be in addition to using sunscreen; wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses; and having regular skin checks. As always, speak with your doctor before starting this supplement.