Planning on taking advantage of the summer weather? Heading outdoors? trimino - Protein Infused Water includes the B Vitamin shown to help protect against sun damage.

This year, the coronavirus changed the way we think about Ultra Violet (UV) Light. Instead of discussing skin cancer prevention ahead of the summer season, conversations have focused on UV light's disinfecting properties. Rather than "Fun in the Sun," we are wondering if we're safer in the sun.

Scientists have known for decades that sunlight and some man-made UV lights are effective sterilizers. A New York Times article on ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (say that three times fast) explains, "Ultraviolet light mangles the genetic material in pathogens...preventing them from reproducing". Now more than ever heading outdoors seems like a healthy choice. However, the same properties that make UV light efficient at slowing the spread of viruses can also cause cancer in humans.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and the number of new cases per year is on the rise. According to the American Cancer Society, "Most skin cancers are a result of exposure to the UV rays in sunlight."

So, what's that got to do with Vitamin B?

B3, also known as Niacin, is one of eight B Vitamins (and one of four found in trimino). Niacin often appears in supplements in one of two forms, nicotinic acid or niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide). The B3 in trimino - Protein Infused Water is niacinamide.

Like all B Vitamins, Niacin is crucial for turning food into energy. Specifically, niacinamide boosts cellular energy which the body needs to repair DNA. It's also critical to two biochemical cofactors (NAD+/NADH & NADP+) required to make those repairs. The National Institutes of Health notes that NAD is necessary for "critical cellular functions, such as the maintenance of genome integrity, control of gene expression, and cellular communication." Niacinamide enhances the rate of DNA repair.

A recent phase 3 double-blind study showed that taking 500mg of niacinamide/nicotinamide twice a day reduced the rate of new non-melonoma skin cancers in high-risk individuals by 23%.

While studies continue to research Niacin's photoprotective effect in lower risk individuals and the general public, here are some safety tips to make sure you aren't getting too much sun.

1. Stay in the shade.

2. Protect your skin with clothing that covers your arms and legs.

3. Wear a hat to protect your head, face, and neck.

4. Wear sunglasses that block UV rays to protect your eyes and the skin around them.

5. Use sunscreen to help protect skin that isn’t covered with clothing.

When it comes to sunscreen, the FDA recommends an SPF of 15 or higher applied at least 15 minutes before heading outside.

Stock your cooler with trimino - protein infused water, slop on some sunscreen, grab your hat and sunglasses, and go catch some rays!!

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