Skin cancer patients may benefit from vitamin B3 as doctors share prevention strategy
Doctors say adding vitamin B3, also known as nicotinamide, to your routine could help lower the risk of cancer coming back.
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Sunny weather has many people heading outdoors, but experts say protecting your skin is more important than ever—especially for those with a history of skin cancer.
Doctors say adding vitamin B3, also known as nicotinamide, to your routine could help lower the risk of cancer coming back.
The benefits were highlighted in a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Researchers found that participants who took vitamin B3 twice daily for a year saw fewer cases of non-melanoma skin cancers returning.
“There was a significant recurrence rate of skin cancers,” said Dr. Andrew Pecora, of Hackensack University Medical Center. “Squamous cell cancers reduced in recurrence by 30%, basal cell cancer by 20%, and precancerous lesions by about 20%.”
Experts say people who have had skin cancer before are at higher risk of getting it again.
That’s because ultraviolet rays from the sun damage skin cells and reduce the body’s ability to repair that damage.
“UV radiation depletes the energy needed for your skin to repair itself,” Pecora said.
Doctors say vitamin B3 helps the body restore that energy, improving the skin’s ability to fight damage.
The study suggests taking 500 milligrams twice a day—but experts warn more is not better.
They say vitamin B3 should be used alongside traditional sun protection like sunscreen, hats and limiting sun exposure.
