A VITAMIN found in meats, nuts, grains and cereals may be more effective than sunscreen in preventing skin cancer, new research has found. 

Nicotinamide, or Vitamin B3, prevents damage from both UVA and UVB radiation by protecting the immune system, and could be taken in tablet form or added to sunscreen, Associate Professor Diona Damian of the University of Sydney says.

Sunscreens provide good protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn and skin cancer, but the products are less effective in protecting against UVA, which can also cause skin cancer.

"UV radiation in sunlight suppresses the skin's immune system and makes it more susceptible to skin cancer," she said.

"Our research found that nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) can prevent the immunosuppressive effects of UV by energising cells so they maintain their immunity."

Tests using the water-soluble vitamin offered equally strong protection against both UVA and UVB in both lotion and tablet form, according to tests on volunteers, said Prof Damian.

"Nicotinamide is well-tolerated, so could also be taken orally as a supplement, particularly by people who have a higher susceptibility to skin cancer," she said.

It is also relatively cheap to produce, she added, so it could potentially be incorporated into sunscreen to boost its effectiveness against UVA.

The research was also looking to determine whether the vitamin could be used to treat sunspots, common lesions that sometimes progress to skin cancer.

AAP