Nicotinamide supplementation may reduce the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with around two in three Australians diagnosed with some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.¹ Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal-cell carcinoma and squamous-cell carcinoma, are the most common skin cancers in Australia,¹ four times more common than all other cancers combined.²

Despite public health measures highlighting the importance of sun protection, skin cancer prevalence continues to rise around the globe.³ While improving sun protection behaviour is essential, additional preventive measures are also needed, particularly to support high-risk individuals with a history of skin cancer.⁴

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin (nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (nicotinamide),⁵ is well known for its role in cellular energy production.^4,6 Studies have also found that supplementation with nicotinamide can improve inner retinal function in people with glaucoma,⁷ and niacin supplementation may help to reduce or prevent birth defects.⁸ Importantly, research also supports the role of vitamin B3 in supporting skin health through enhancing skin structure and integrity,⁹ with a growing body of evidence indicating that this essential nutrient may also play a role in skin cancer prevention.^4,10,11