Daily vitamin B3 dose cuts skin cancer risk by up to 54%
A common vitamin B3 supplement may reduce skin cancer risk by up to 54%, especially for those with previous diagnoses.
Why it matters
- Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) is a cheap, over-the-counter supplement that could significantly lower skin cancer risk.
- Skin cancer is a major health issue, with billions spent annually on treatment in the US alone.
By the numbers
- Study size: 33,822 individuals
- Average risk reduction: 14%
- Risk reduction for those with previous diagnosis: 54%
- Largest effect seen in squamous cell carcinoma
The big picture
- This study supports earlier findings from a 2015 Australian trial.
- Niacinamide is thought to help skin cells repair UV-induced DNA damage.
- More diverse studies are needed to confirm these findings in broader populations.
What they're saying
- Users shared personal stories of B3's effectiveness.
- One user warned about potential overdosing but noted it's less risky than some other vitamins.
- Another user pointed out that B3 is already added to all bread products in the US.
Caveats
- The study was observational, so causation can't be proven.
- The cohort was mostly older, white men, so more diverse studies are needed.
What’s next
- Further studies on diverse populations to confirm and expand these findings.
- More research on the optimal timing and dosage for B3 supplementation.