Vitamin B3: The Simple Vitamin That Could Cut Your Skin Cancer Risk in Half
- Octavian M. Belcea, MD
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Many of my patients know that I’m always looking for practical, evidence-based ways to reduce disease risk and extend healthy lifespan. One of the simplest tools for protecting your skin may already be sitting on the pharmacy shelf: vitamin B3, also known as nicotinamide (or niacinamide).
A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the U.S. Veterans Affairs system looked at more than 33,000 veterans and found that those taking nicotinamide had a significantly lower risk of developing new skin cancers, especially squamous cell carcinoma. The benefit was strongest for those who started the supplement soon after their first skin cancer diagnosis.
How Nicotinamide Protects Your Skin
Sunlight damages the DNA inside our skin cells. Normally, those cells repair the damage, but with time and repeated sun exposure, the repair process slows down and mutations accumulate. Nicotinamide helps prevent that process from turning into cancer by:
Enhancing DNA repair after UV exposure.
Replenishing cellular energy (ATP) so skin cells can heal efficiently.
Supporting immune function in sun-exposed skin, which helps stop precancerous cells before they spread.
In short, nicotinamide helps your skin recover and stay resilient cosmetically and biologically.
Niacinamide vs. Nicotinamide vs. Niacin vs. Nicotinic Acid
To clear up the Vitamin B3 confusion:
Niacinamide and nicotinamide are the same thing, the non-flushing form of vitamin B3.
Niacin (nicotinic acid) is the flushing form sometimes used for cholesterol. It’s not the version studied for skin protection.
When purchasing vitamin B3 for skin health, look specifically for nicotinamide or niacinamide on the label.
Beyond Skin Protection
Nicotinamide doesn’t just protect your skin. It’s a precursor to NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a molecule found in every cell and essential for energy production, DNA repair, and regulation of sirtuins, enzymes linked to longevity.
With time, NAD⁺ levels naturally decline, contributing to fatigue, inflammation, and impaired cellular repair. By supporting NAD⁺ synthesis, nicotinamide may help maintain mitochondrial function and cellular vitality throughout the body.
My Recommendation
The research used 500 mg twice daily, which is available over the counter and generally very well tolerated.
Because I’m genetically at higher risk for skin cancer myself, I take nicotinamide every day. My philosophy is simple: I never recommend anything I wouldn’t take personally.
You can obtain medical-grade nicotinamide and other supplements directly through the office, or order them online through Pure Encapsulations. I’ve partnered with them to make professional-grade products available at a discounted price. You can access my supplement dispensary by clicking here.
Final Thoughts
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it’s also one of the most preventable. Along with regular skin checks and a healthy lifestyle, nicotinamide offers a safe, evidence-based way to reduce your risk.
If you have a history of skin cancer or significant sun exposure, let’s discuss whether this supplement is right for you at your next visit.
To Your Good Health,
The Longevity Doctor®