Vitamin B3, particularly its form known as nicotinamide, has emerged as a promising agent in cancer prevention and treatment. Research indicates that nicotinamide can enhance the function of natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial components of the immune system responsible for identifying and eliminating cancer cells. A study conducted by scientists at the University of Minnesota demonstrated that treating NK cells with nicotinamide improved their ability to combat blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. When combined with other cancer therapies, this approach led to complete remissions in several patients with advanced lymphoma within just 28 days, highlighting its potential as a powerful adjunct to existing treatments.
In addition to its role in immune enhancement, nicotinamide has been studied for its chemopreventive properties, particularly in reducing the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers. A phase 3 randomized controlled trial found that daily supplementation with 500 mg of nicotinamide significantly decreased the rate of new skin cancers by 23% among high-risk individuals. This effect is attributed to nicotinamide’s ability to boost cellular energy and repair DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. While these findings are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the scope of nicotinamide’s anticancer effects and its potential applications in clinical settings. Click for More Details