Vitamin B3 could prevent non-melanoma skin cancers

A form of vitamin B3 has been shown to protect skin cells from the effects of UV exposure, the main risk factor for non-melanoma skin cancers.

Research presented at the 29^th European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress showed how researchers in Italy isolated human primary keratinocytes from the skin of patients with non-melanoma skin cancers for the study. 

The cells were treated with three different concentrations of a form of vitamin B3 called nicotinamide (NAM) for 18, 24 and 48 hours before being exposed to UVB. 

25µM of NAM 24 hours before exposure was found to protect the skin cells from the effects of UV-induced oxidative stress, including DNA damage. 

NAM was also found to enhance DNA repair and block local inflammation by showing decreased nitric oxide release and reactive oxygen species production. 

Lara Camillo, one of the research students from the Dermatological Unit of AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy, commented: “Our study indicates that increasing the consumption of vitamin B3, which is readily available in the daily diet, will protect the skin from some of the effects of UV exposure, potentially reducing the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers. 

However, the protective effect of vitamin B3 is short-acting, so it should be consumed no later than 24 to 48 hours before sun exposure.”

In June, consumers were warned by British Cosmetic Dermatology Group not to buy at-home pigmentation removal devices in case of altering the appearance of possible melanomas.