A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to pale skin and yellowing of the skin, called jaundice. These changes in skin color can develop when a person's body is unable to produce enough RBCs.
The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].
Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in skin health by providing essential nutrients for collagen production and by helping to maintain the skin's natural moisture balance. Vitamin B12 also helps to promote healthy cell growth, which can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging [1].
A Vitamin B deficiency can wreak havoc on your skin, causing acne, rashes, dry and flaky skin, cracked lips, and wrinkles.
However, if you're deficient in certain vitamins, changes on your skin can be a tell-tale sign. Insufficient levels of Vitamin A and E can lead to acne formation on your face, whereas low levels of Vitamin B12 deficiency can make your skin look paler than ever.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Any excess gets flushed out in urine. However, large doses of vitamin B12 that are required to treat deficiency may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, and some people may develop itching or skin rash.
However, vitamin B12 may give you the appearance of fuller and thicker hair because the increase in oxygen to hair follicles can help stimulate the replacement of lost strands. Vitamin B12 may also help give your hair an overall healthier appearance since intake of enough B12 is responsible for stronger hair shafts.
Avoid coffee and tea
Substances found in coffee and tea, such as tannins, can inhibit the absorption of B vitamins, including B12. Consuming these beverages around the same time as your B12 supplements may reduce their effectiveness.
The allergy can be triggered by taking vitamin B12 supplements because B12 contains cobalt atoms. Cobalt allergies most often develop in people exposed to it in eye makeup, tattoos, or industrial products, causing an itchy, red, scaly rash.
By vitamin B12 supplementation in healthy individuals and in vitro experiments, we revealed that host vitamin B12 modulates the transcriptional and metabolic activities of the skin bacteria, leading to increased production of porphyrins, which induce inflammation in acne.
If vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated, it can cause lasting side effects that affect the nervous system and brain. More severe side effects of vitamin B12 deficiency include: Peripheral neuropathy. Degeneration of the spinal cord.
A: While there is no conclusive evidence that Vitamin B12 can reverse grey hair, it may help prevent premature greying by supporting overall hair health. Adequate levels of Vitamin B12 contribute to healthy hair growth and may help maintain hair color.
You should be able to get all the vitamin B12 you need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take vitamin B12 supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful. Taking 2mg or less a day of vitamin B12 in supplements is unlikely to cause any harm.
There is no upper limit for vitamin B12 intake because consuming high levels does not cause problems.
Skin lesions associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. Cutaneous lesions that do not respond to conventional therapy can be an indication of vitamin B12 deficiency.
There is evidence that vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, biotin, and the minerals chromium, iron, selenium, and zinc play important roles in maintaining skin heath. Additional supplementation may be helpful for specific skin conditions.
Redness and Swelling: Vitamin E Deficiency
"Redness and swelling, particularly around the eyes or cheeks, might signal a Vitamin E deficiency. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals, and it also supports skin healing", said Dr Jagmohan.