Posted on 10/19/2025 12:56:08 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
The dietary supplement nicotinamide has been recommended by dermatologists for people with a history of skin cancer since 2015, when a clinical study with 386 participants showed that those who took the vitamin B3 derivative developed fewer new occurrences.
However, data to validate those findings in a larger study group has been lacking because nicotinamide can be purchased over the counter without being entered into patients' medical records. In a new study, researchers found a way to get that data by analyzing records from the Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse.
Nicotinamide is on the VA's official formulary, so the researchers checked the outcomes of 33,833 patients for their next skin cancer diagnosis following baseline treatment with 500 milligrams of nicotinamide twice daily for longer than 30 days. They looked for occurrences of basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
The researchers compared 12,287 patients who received the treatment with 21,479 who did not. Overall, there was a 14% reduction in skin cancer risk. When nicotinamide was taken after a first skin cancer, the risk reduction rose to 54%, but the benefit declined with treatment initiation following subsequent skin cancers. The risk reduction was much larger for squamous cell carcinoma.
"There are no guidelines for when to start treatment with nicotinamide for skin cancer prevention in the general population. These results would really shift our practice from starting it once patients have developed numerous skin cancers to starting it earlier," said Lee Wheless, MD, PhD.
The researchers were also able to ascertain the outcomes of 1,334 patients who were immunocompromised due to having received solid organ transplants. Among solid organ transplant recipients, no overall significant risk reduction was observed, although early nicotinamide use was associated with reduced occurrences of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
There was a 14% reduction in skin cancer risk, but if taken after the first skin cancer (and not subsequent ones), 54%.
It was a higher than normal dose taken of 500 mg twice a day for at least one month.
Bookmark.
“500 mg twice a day for at least one month.”
That’s the problem with these findings. Is that for the rest of your life? Once a year treatment. Once every six months? Bimonthly?
Google AI:
Nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide) is a form of vitamin B3 used to treat and prevent niacin deficiency, address various skin conditions, and reduce the risk of certain skin cancers. It is also being studied for potential therapeutic uses related to aging and other health issues.
For skin conditions
Nicotinamide is widely used in both oral and topical forms to improve skin health.
Acne: Its anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce acne lesions and regulate oil production.
Rosacea and atopic dermatitis: Nicotinamide can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritation caused by these conditions.
Hyperpigmentation: It can help treat melasma and other skin discoloration by brightening the complexion.
Aging skin: Topical nicotinamide may improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin barrier function: It helps rebuild the skin’s lipid barrier, which improves hydration and protects against irritants.
For skin cancer prevention
Studies have shown that oral nicotinamide can help prevent new non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) and actinic keratoses in high-risk patients. It does this by boosting cellular energy and enhancing DNA repair, which protects against UV damage.
For niacin deficiency
Nicotinamide is a primary treatment for pellagra, a disease caused by severe niacin deficiency. In contrast to niacin (nicotinic acid), nicotinamide does not cause the unpleasant flushing that can be associated with higher doses.
For other medical research
Scientists are also investigating nicotinamide’s potential role in treating other conditions:
Type 1 diabetes: Nicotinamide may help delay the onset of type 1 diabetes, but more research is needed.
Cancer therapy: It is being studied as an agent that can make cancer cells more susceptible to radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Neurological diseases: As a precursor to the coenzyme NAD+, it is being explored for its potential to help prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
Important considerations
While nicotinamide is generally well-tolerated, it is a water-soluble vitamin and is not a substitute for a balanced diet. Supplements should only be taken under medical supervision, especially at high doses.
some info from the above article:
Mechanisms of Action Relevant to Cancer Prevention Nicotinamide's potential to prevent cancer is linked to several biological mechanisms, supported by empirical data:
Enhancement of DNA Repair: UV radiation and other carcinogens cause DNA damage, which can lead to mutations and cancer if unrepaired. Nicotinamide boosts NAD+ levels, supporting PARP activity and base excision repair pathways (Surjana et al., 2013, Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine).
Reduction of UV-Induced Immunosuppression: UV exposure suppresses local immune responses in the skin, allowing precancerous cells to proliferate. Nicotinamide has been shown to counteract this effect in human studies (Yiasemides et al., 2009, British Journal of Dermatology).
Antioxidant Properties: Nicotinamide reduces oxidative stress, a contributor to DNA damage and carcinogenesis, as demonstrated in in vitro studies (Benavente et al., 2009, Current Molecular Medicine).
Energy Metabolism Regulation: By supporting NAD+ synthesis, Nicotinamide influences cellular energy metabolism, which is often dysregulated in cancer cells (Warburg effect). This mechanism is less studied in clinical settings but shows promise in preclinical models.
4. Safety and Dosage Considerations Recommended Dosage for Skin Cancer Prevention: Based on the ONTRAC trial and subsequent reviews, a dose of 500 mg twice daily is commonly cited as effective and safe for NMSC prevention in high-risk individuals. Lower doses (e.g., 500 mg once daily) have shown some efficacy in smaller studies but with less consistent results.
Safety Profile: Nicotinamide is generally well-tolerated at doses up to 3,000 mg per day. Unlike niacin, it does not cause flushing. However, high doses may lead to gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, or rare cases of liver enzyme elevation (Knip et al., 2000, Diabetologia).
Contraindications: There is limited data on long-term use in cancer prevention, and caution is advised in patients with liver disease or diabetes, as Nicotinamide may affect glucose metabolism.
Well cool! I take 1000mg of this daily. After reading the book “Niacin, The Real Story” by Abram Hoffer and others. Don’t recall anything about skin cancer but it’s good to know!
Per Dr. Mercola’s recommendation, I take .2g niacinamide most days spread out over 3 doses (67mg/dose). It’s good for mitochondria, the energy cycle, and cellular health.
Niacinamide is INCREDIBLY cheap. At BulkSupplements.com 1kg for 29.97. It’s such a small dose I combine it with a bunch of other nutrients, including glycine, creatine monophosphate, mushroom powders and beetroot powder https://www.bulksupplements.com/products/vitamin-b3-niacinamide
Thanx for posting. I’m taking it. Now I understand why. lol
Be careful - Niacinamide can cause seizures.
Specifically, it's Beta-Dihydronicotinamide Mononucleotide...
https://tinyurl.com/r56tearb
I also take Liposomal Nicotinamide Riboside (NR).
https://tinyurl.com/y2m2tzcm
I feel a "warmth" when I take them - not actually a flush, though...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.