New evidence
Nicotinamide reduced squamous cell carcinoma by 30% across two trials — but the evidence comes from just a pair of studies, with no specified dose.
This systematic review is the first solid evidence linking vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) to fewer skin cancers, but with only two trials behind it, the finding is promising yet far from settled — especially since the exact dose that works remains unclear.
A systematic review of two trials involving 7,355 immunocompetent adults found that taking nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3) lowered the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by 30% and reduced actinic keratoses (precancerous skin spots) by 13–35%. The results are statistically significant, but because the evidence rests on only two studies and the dose wasn't specified, this should be seen as an early signal rather than a definitive recommendation.
Where this fits in the evidence
This is among the first studies we've indexed on Vitamin B3 for Reduced Squamous Cell Carcinoma Incidence — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.
The study
- Systematic Review
- n = 7,355
- 2026-02-11
- Clinical and experimental dermatology
- PubMed: 41671392
- DOI: 10.1093/ced/llag073
- Full study breakdown →
This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.