What vitamin does Accutane deplete?

Author: Javon Volkman  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Furthermore, this study demonstrated that after a 6 months treatment, isotretinoin can result in decreases in vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. Supplementation of vitamin B12/folic acid should be recommended in cases of their deficiency in patients under isotretinoin therapy.

Does Accutane cause vitamin D deficiency?

Conclusion: The negative effect of isotretinoin on vitamin D levels and bone metabolism has been shown in previous studies. In this study, 25'(OH) vit D3 levels decreased significantly in patients treated with isotretinoin in the long term (p>0.000).

Why take vitamin E while on Accutane?

Reduce Side Effects

Preliminary research has found that combined administration of isotretinoin and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) substantially reduces the initial toxicity of high-dose isotretinoin without reducing drug efficacy.

Can isotretinoin cause B12 deficiency?

Acne is a common condition, affecting 83–95% of adolescents. Oral isotretinoin is reserved for severe acne because of the potential side‐effects. We report a case of anaemia due to B12 and folate deficiency developing 8 weeks after treatment with isotretinoin for acne.

What does B12 acne look like?

High-dose vitamins B6 and B12 have also been linked to rosacea fulminans, a condition that looks like acne. Rosacea is marked by large red bumps and pustules that typically appear on the nose, chin, and/or cheeks.

I FINISHED ACCUTANE! 🎉 Results + Side Effects, Low Dose Isotretinoin Journey | Karima McKimmie

Is isotretinoin hard on the liver?

There is no known reason why isotretinoin may elevate serum aminotransferase, but high dosages of the drug may have a toxic effect on the liver. However, it is rare for isotretinoin to cause abnormally high results in a liver test, and it is rare for the drug to lead to liver injury.

Why is vitamin E bad for acne?

This isn't because of the vitamin itself, but rather due to the heavy oil form it most commonly comes in. Vitamin E oil is quite thick and could easily clog your pores, exacerbating any acne symptoms.

How to protect your liver while on Accutane?

It's best to avoid drinking alcohol if you take Accutane. This is because both substances can lead to liver problems, as well as increase certain types of fat in your blood. Liver damage isn't common with Accutane, but it's possible.

What vitamin A foods to avoid on Accutane?

Foods high in vitamin A, such as fish, fish oils, cantaloupe, carrots, dark green leafy veggies, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, butternut squash, vitamin A supplements, and supplemented foods should be limited on days when patients take the medication.

What are the permanent side effects of Accutane?

Some of the long-term side effects may persist after a person has stopped taking Accutane. These may even cause permanent problems, such as scarring, vision loss, or internal organ damage.

What is the strongest acne medication?

Isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is a treatment for severe acne that comes in capsules. It has a number of beneficial effects: it helps normalise sebum and reduce how much is produced.

Does Accutane permanently shrink oil glands?

Accutane, also known as isotretinoin, works by permanently shrinking the oil glands. When a patient has severe, painful acne that doesn't go away with other prescription medications and has scarring, Accutane can be a good option. However, it does come with side effects and It's not for everyone.

Does Accutane slow down metabolism?

Taking Accutane may affect metabolism — how the body processes the food you eat. Studies have shown that people often experience changes in cholesterol and blood sugar while on Accutane. The link between Accutane and metabolism is still being investigated.

What vitamin should I take while on Accutane?

Authors concluded that supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 should be considered as a supplemental treatment option for reducing musculoskeletal side effects seen in isotretinoin [30].

What organs does Accutane damage?

Sometimes Accutane can cause symptoms that mean there is damage to an organ in your abdomen, which could include your liver, pancreas, stomach, intestines or your esophagus. If you have any symptoms below you should stop taking Accutane and call your doctor: severe pain in your chest, stomach or bowel.

What does liver acne look like?

Liver-related acne is often characterized by: Persistent breakouts, particularly on the face, back, and chest. Inflammatory acne with red, swollen pimples.

How long does it take for Accutane to leave liver?

It takes 5.5 x elimination half-life of a medicine before it is eliminated from your system. Accutane (isotretinoin) has an elimination half-life of 21 hours, therefore it will take 5.5 x 21 hours = 115.5 hours (approximately 4.8 days) before it will be cleared from your system. Side effects may last longer.

What fruit is good for acne?

Kiwis, cherries, and stone fruits (like peaches, nectarines, and plums) may be good for acne because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Kiwis are a high fiber fruit packed with vitamin C and vitamin E. Peaches have b-complex vitamins, which may help improve skin tone and texture.

Can probiotics make acne worse?

While it's true that you might experience a temporary breakout when you first start taking probiotics, this is often a sign of your body adjusting to the new bacteria. This initial purging phase is usually short-lived and can be considered a positive sign that your gut microbiome is rebalancing.

What vitamin is best for acne?

Yes, vitamins can help hormonal acne by acting as antioxidants, reducing inflammation, and supporting healthy hormone balance. The best vitamins for acne are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and a B complex. You can find many of these nutrients in food, but taking supplements can ensure you're getting enough.

Does Accutane make your face slimmer?

A: There is no evidence that Accutane causes skin thinning. Accutane causes the skin to become fragile, or more sensitive, due to the decrease in oil production. People wrongly attribute this fragility to thinning.

What is the greatest side effect of isotretinoin?

Common side effects of Accutane (isotretinoin) include dryness and temporary hair loss. Rare and more serious side effects include depression and psychosis, lipid problems and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

What are the alternatives to Accutane?

Isotretinoin is a type of retinoid, but it's not the only one used to treat acne. Others include tretinoin (Retin-A), tazarotene (Tazorac), adapalene (Differin), and trifarotene (Aklief).

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