This Common Vitamin May Cut Skin Cancer Risk by More Than Half, According to Dermatologists
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- Prolonged sun exposure without protection accelerates skin aging and significantly raises the risk of skin cancer, which affects one in five Americans by age 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
- A JAMA Dermatology study found that taking 500 mg of nicotinamide (vitamin B3) twice daily for over 30 days reduced skin cancer risk by 14%, and by 54% in those with a prior skin cancer diagnosis.
- Nicotinamide supports DNA repair and boosts the skin’s immune response to precancerous cells, while also improving skin barrier function and reducing inflammation when used topically.
- Vitamin B3 is abundant in foods such as meat, fish, nuts, legumes, grains, and fortified cereals; supplements should be taken cautiously as excessive intake may increase cardiovascular risks.
- Despite these benefits, dermatologists stress that vitamin B3 supplementation should complement, not replace, primary sun protection measures like sunscreen, protective clothing, and regular skin exams.