Nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, would reduce the risk of recurrence in patients at risk of skin cancer. Researchers and dermatologists detail its potential, but call for caution.
A significant reduction in the risk of skin cancer
Vitamin B3, also called Nicotinamide or Niacinamide, today attracts the attention of researchers. In a study published by the medical journal Jamamore than 34,000 participants were followed, some of whom are already suffering from skin cancer. The results are striking: those who took 500 mg of nicotinamide twice a day for at least a month saw their risk of developing a new cutaneous cancer reduced by 54 % compared to the others.
Overall, the drop in risk concerned about 14 % of all participants, and more particularly non -melanic skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and epidermoid carcinoma.
“”I was very surprised by the extent of risk reduction“, Admits Dr. Lee Wheless, researcher at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center and doctor at Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Va Medical Center.
These results confirm those already observed in 2015 during a clinical trial conducted in Australia, which showed a decrease in recurrences in patients with history of non -melanic skin cancer.
A vitamin known for a long time for its virtues
These conclusions do not surprise certain specialists, such as Dr Anny Cohen-Letessier, dermatologist. “”We have known the virtues of nicotinamide for a long time in the skin. It was known as vitamin PP for preventive pellagra, because a deficiency was responsible for the pellagre (disease of food deficiencies), characterized by dermatological, digestive and cerebral symptoms. It is also found as an active active ingredient in topical in anti -aging creams (antioxidant, anti -locking, anti -inflammatory properties, etc.)“She explains.
Its antioxidant and protective effects already lead many doctors to recommend it, whether in internal or external use.
Who can benefit from vitamin B3 and in what form?
The interest of nicotinamide lies in secondary prevention, that is to say in patients already affected by skin cancer. “”The growing data suggest that we should systematically recommend nicotinamide as secondary prevention for all patients with skin cancer, and an early taking amplifies its effects“, Specifies Sarah T. Arron, associate professor in dermatology, in Jama Dermatology.
She also insists on her good tolerance: the supplement present “very little side effects“However, it recommends choosing the form ending with” amide “, more suitable than niacin (nicotine acid), which can cause hot flashes and itching.
Before any taken, it remains essential to consult your doctor. ANSES indeed fixes a higher safety limit at 10 mg per day for nicotinic acid and 900 mg for nicotinamide.