A new option against basal and squamous cell skin cancers: vitamin B3

Skin cancer is the world’s most common cancer. Its main trigger is high exposure to sunshine and ultraviolet radiation. The first defense is therefore minimizing these harmful effects. Research has identified another weapon: vitamin B3.

In Sydney, Australia, during 2012 and 2014, studies evaluated vitamin B3. People diagnosed within the past 5 years with at least two types of nonmelanoma skin cancer—basal and squamous cell cancers—numbering 386 participants, were randomly divided into two groups. Over 12 months, one received vitamin B3 (nicotinamide), the other placebo without an active ingredient. Changes were assessed after twelve months. Examining each cancer separately, the vitamin B3 group showed reductions of %20 in basal cell cancer, %30 in squamous cell cancer and %13 in actinic keratosis, abnormal skin-cell growth following ultraviolet exposure. Vitamin B3 acts by enhancing DNA repair and preventing ultraviolet-induced immune suppression.

Presenting results at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in 2015, the team concluded that nonmelanoma cancer rates fell significantly among regular vitamin B3 users, but not with irregular use or interruptions.

In conclusion, Regular vitamin B3 use was effective in preventing skin cancer recurrence in this study. Its simplicity and low cost are advantages. However, because participants already had disease, effects in healthy people remain unknown. Although a reduction in risk for healthy people is anticipated, no definitive information exists.

This study should not be generalized to vitamin use overall, nor should vitamins be encouraged for cancer treatment or prevention without medical advice.

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