Vitamin B3 and skin cancer: A widely available form of vitamin B3 may cut the risk of new skin cancers, according to a large observational study of more than 33,000 US veterans.
The supplement, nicotinamide, was associated with a 14% lower risk of developing any new non-melanoma skin cancer overall, and a 54% reduction in additional cancers when started soon after a first diagnosis.
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Researchers compared outcomes for ~12,000 patients who took 500 mg of nicotinamide twice daily for at least a month with ~21,000 who did not. Benefits appeared across both major non-melanoma types, basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and were especially strong for squamous cell cancers. The protective effect waned when supplementation began only after multiple recurrences, suggesting timing is critical.
Nicotinamide is thought to support DNA repair after UV exposure, temper inflammation, and bolster immune surveillance in the skin. Because it is inexpensive, widely available, and generally well-tolerated, dermatologists see it as a promising add-on for secondary prevention, particularly for patients with a history of skin cancer.
Experts cautioned, however, that the findings come from real-world, observational data, most participants were white men, and cannot prove cause and effect as firmly as randomised trials. The study does not replace core prevention strategies: sun protection, sunscreen, protective clothing, shade, and regular skin checks remain essential. Broader recommendations for people without a prior skin cancer diagnosis were not addressed.
