Peer Reviewed
Therapeutics clinic

Nicotinamide and prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer

Michael Freeman, Andrew Freeman
Abstract

Evidence suggests that nicotinamide supplements can reduce the development of nonmelanoma skin cancer in high-risk patients. It may be a useful adjunct to sun protection for nonmelanoma skin cancer prevention in patients at high risk.

Key Points

    The water-soluble B-group vitamin nicotinamide is central to the function of some of the most important regulatory enzymes involved in DNA repair following exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Recent trials strongly suggest that nicotinamide supplementation protects against some of the damaging effects of UV exposure.1,2

    Picture credit: © Duncan Walker/iStockphoto. Model used for illustrative purposes.

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