Recent evidence has given us an additional tool in the fight against skin cancer. Dermatologists from the department of dermatology in the University of Sydney have shown a significant reduction in the rate of skin cancer when individuals at risk of skin cancer were treated with Nicotinamide.
Where is nicotinamide found?
Nicotinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 which is naturally present in small quantities in yeast, lean meats, fish, nuts and legumes. It is also often added to cereals and other foods.
How does nicotinamide work?
The broad clinical effects of nicotinamide may be explained by its role as:
a cellular energy precursor
a modulator of inflammatory cytokines
an inhibitor of the nuclear enzyme poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose [ADP]) polymerase [PARP], which plays a significant role in DNA repair, maintenance of genomic stability, and cellular response to injury including inflammation and apoptosis (cell death).
How should we use it?
In the study, benefits were gained when individuals were treated with 500g twice daily. No significant side effects were noted. It is important that Nicotinamide is not replaced with Niacin, another form of Vitamin B3, as this tends to cause flushing.
Nicotinamide is available as a supplement which comes in 500mg tablets.
Ask one of the team at SKIN if you have further questions about Nicotinamide and its prevention of skin cancer.