Recent research indicates that common vitamins might play a role in reducing the onset of skin cancer. A study published in Jama Dermatology highlighted that nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can lower the risk of three different types of skin cancers.
This study analyzed health data from over 33,000 veterans between 1999 and 2024, pulling information from Veterans Affairs (VA) records.
Within the study, researchers compared 12,287 patients who took nicotinamide with 21,479 patients who did not. They matched these groups based on factors like age, gender, race, previous skin cancer history, and other treatments.
Additionally, they considered patients’ histories of organ transplants and other health conditions, like chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Those receiving nicotinamide were found to have a lower overall incidence of skin cancers. Specifically, the risk of developing skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, dropped by about 14% with the vitamin B3 supplementation.
Moreover, the study examined the recurrence of skin cancer. It was noted that patients who began nicotinamide treatment right after their first skin cancer diagnosis experienced a 54% reduction in the chances of the disease returning. However, the benefits were less pronounced for those diagnosed with multiple skin cancers.
Interestingly, among organ transplant patients, those who started taking vitamin B3 early saw no significant difference in their overall risk of skin cancer.
The researchers concluded that these findings “suggest a reduced risk of skin cancer in patients treated with nicotinamide,” with the most significant effects observed when treatment began following an initial diagnosis of skin cancer.
In a recent episode of the Jamadermatology podcast, Dr. Lee Weras from Vanderbilt University shared insights on the connection between nicotinamide exposure and skin cancer recurrence. While he was cautious about recommending immediate nicotinamide use after an initial diagnosis, he acknowledged that these results might influence ongoing discussions in the medical community.
Dr. Weras expressed some uncertainty: “If a patient already has that field cancer, it’s important to consider whether starting treatment earlier might be more effective.” He emphasized that many patients face repeated skin cancers, feeling a sense of urgency to find preventative measures.
