We observed five notable cases of acneiform eruptions linked to vitamin B12 in women aged 21 to 62. These eruptions manifested between one week and five months after starting vitamin B12 therapy.
The primary symptoms consisted of papules and pustules appearing mainly on the face. In three of the patients, these skin issues also extended to areas like the neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back, but interestingly, there were no signs of comedones or cysts.
Out of the five women, two had particularly high levels of vitamin B12 in their blood. A closer look at one patient's skin under a microscope revealed eosinophilic folliculitis, a type of inflammation in hair follicles. Fortunately, all patients experienced spontaneous and complete recovery within three to six weeks after stopping vitamin B12 treatment.
Overall, while vitamin B12 did not provide a benefit for acne treatment, it highlighted an unusual side effect of acne-like symptoms in these cases.
We observed a fascinating case involving a 47-year-old man who developed a skin condition after starting vitamin B12 treatment for pernicious anemia. Just six weeks into his weekly injections of hydroxocobalamin, he experienced a sudden and widespread outbreak of inflammatory acne-like bumps on his face and trunk. This skin eruption was not only extensive but also caused significant itching and included comedones, commonly known as blackheads, particularly on his chest.
Upon closer examination, the medical team diagnosed him with a vitamin B12-induced acneiform eruption, which is different from typical acne vulgaris. This distinction came from several unique factors, including the patient's age, the sudden onset of the condition, and the presence of pruritus (itching) alongside a uniform type of lesions across non-seborrheic areas.
After normalizing his vitamin B12 levels, the hydroxocobalamin injections were stopped, and lymecycline—a type of antibiotic—was introduced. Remarkably, this led to a complete resolution of his skin lesions within three months. This case highlights how vitamin B12 can have an unusual, but significant impact on skin health, demonstrating that its effects are not just limited to its role in blood health but can extend into dermatological issues as well.
Read More
4
Vitamin B12 affects acne mechanisms
Vitamin B12 modulates the transcriptome of the skin microbiota in acne pathogenesis.
We explored how vitamin B12 influences the skin microbiota and its potential connection to acne development. By analyzing the skin microbiota of acne patients and healthy individuals, we found that there are significant differences in the transcriptional profiles of these groups. Specifically, we noticed that the pathway responsible for vitamin B12 biosynthesis in a skin bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes was less active in those with acne.
To dive deeper, we conducted an experiment with healthy subjects who were given vitamin B12 supplements. Our findings showed that this supplementation suppressed the expression of vitamin B12 production genes in P. acnes and altered the overall activity of the skin microbiota. Interestingly, one participant developed acne just a week after starting the supplements, shedding light on a possible mechanism behind the observed connections.
Additionally, we identified that vitamin B12 supplemented P. acnes cultures led to an increased production of porphyrins, compounds known to trigger inflammation associated with acne. This suggests a novel pathway through which vitamin B12 may influence acne development, aligning with clinical observations that some individuals experience breakouts following vitamin B12 supplementation.
Overall, our study emphasizes the complex interplay between vitamin B12 and the skin microbiota, hinting at its pivotal role in acne pathogenesis.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
0
Flare-ups experienced
1 people found this helpful
Not great, I believe this product caused me to have acne flare-ups.
Read More
9
Acne linked to dosage
Don’t overdo it! I mistakenly took two per day initially, leading to breakouts. I suspected it was the cream, but when I stopped taking B12, the acne on my face immediately cleared up. I advise sticking to just one per day for short durations.
Read More
7.5
Acne improvement noted
It might not work for everyone, but I've battled adult acne for years. I started taking Vitamin A impulsively to see if there would be any improvement, and indeed, there was. Although it takes time, this truly helped enhance my skin quality and reduce my acne. I highly recommend it!
We observed a fascinating case involving a 47-year-old man who developed a skin condition after starting vitamin B12 treatment for pernicious anemia. Just six weeks into his weekly injections of hydroxocobalamin, he experienced a sudden and widespread outbreak of inflammatory acne-like bumps on his face and trunk. This skin eruption was not only extensive but also caused significant itching and included comedones, commonly known as blackheads, particularly on his chest.
Upon closer examination, the medical team diagnosed him with a vitamin B12-induced acneiform eruption, which is different from typical acne vulgaris. This distinction came from several unique factors, including the patient's age, the sudden onset of the condition, and the presence of pruritus (itching) alongside a uniform type of lesions across non-seborrheic areas.
After normalizing his vitamin B12 levels, the hydroxocobalamin injections were stopped, and lymecycline—a type of antibiotic—was introduced. Remarkably, this led to a complete resolution of his skin lesions within three months. This case highlights how vitamin B12 can have an unusual, but significant impact on skin health, demonstrating that its effects are not just limited to its role in blood health but can extend into dermatological issues as well.
Read More
9.5
Vitamin B12 causes acne-like eruptions
Acneiform eruptions caused by vitamin B12: A report of five cases and review of the literature.
We observed five notable cases of acneiform eruptions linked to vitamin B12 in women aged 21 to 62. These eruptions manifested between one week and five months after starting vitamin B12 therapy.
The primary symptoms consisted of papules and pustules appearing mainly on the face. In three of the patients, these skin issues also extended to areas like the neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back, but interestingly, there were no signs of comedones or cysts.
Out of the five women, two had particularly high levels of vitamin B12 in their blood. A closer look at one patient's skin under a microscope revealed eosinophilic folliculitis, a type of inflammation in hair follicles. Fortunately, all patients experienced spontaneous and complete recovery within three to six weeks after stopping vitamin B12 treatment.
Overall, while vitamin B12 did not provide a benefit for acne treatment, it highlighted an unusual side effect of acne-like symptoms in these cases.
Read More
9
Vitamin B12's unclear acne efficacy
Successful re-introduction of vitamin B12 after using isotretinoin to treat severe acne medicamentosa.
We explored the impact of reintroducing vitamin B12 in individuals who had undergone treatment with isotretinoin for severe acne, known as acne medicamentosa. This study aimed to examine whether vitamin B12 could help improve acne conditions after completing isotretinoin therapy.
Although we discussed the effects of vitamin B12, the study’s structure didn’t isolate it from other treatments, which might make it hard to gauge vitamin B12's full effectiveness on its own.
We observed that while vitamin B12 had some interaction in the treatment process, the overall conclusion about its significant benefits for acne remains unclear due to the lack of controlled conditions in the study design.
Therefore, while reintroducing vitamin B12 after isotretinoin treatment shows some potential, it does not provide strong enough evidence to confirm a notable impact on acne improvement alone.
Read More
7
Vitamin B12's effect on acne explored
Strain-Level Differences in Porphyrin Production and Regulation in Propionibacterium acnes Elucidate Disease Associations.
We explored the relationship between vitamin B12 and acne by examining how this vitamin influences porphyrin production in different strains of Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium that resides on our skin. Previous studies hinted that vitamin B12 could trigger higher porphyrin levels, leading to acne development.
Our findings confirmed that acne-associated strains of P. acnes produced significantly more porphyrins, especially when given vitamin B12. In contrast, strains linked to healthy skin showed much lower porphyrin levels and did not respond to vitamin B12 at all. This stark difference sheds light on how specific strains can either contribute to acne or support skin health.
Additionally, we identified a repressor gene in health-associated strains that seemed to limit porphyrin production, further indicating that not all P. acnes strains are created equal. While our study provides valuable insights into the potential role of vitamin B12 in acne's development, it also highlights the complex interplay of genetics in skin health.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial, as it paves the way for potential treatments that could harness the benefits of health-associated P. acnes strains while managing acne development.
Read More
5
Vitamin B12 deficiency linked to acne
The Relationship Between Nutritional Anemia and Acne: A Case-Control Study.
We delved into the relationship between nutritional anemia, specifically vitamin B12 deficiency, and acne among young individuals in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia. Utilizing a case-control study design, we compared a group of people with acne to a control group of similar age and demographics. Our research involved Electronic Health Records from a local outpatient department, which allowed us to analyze a broad set of data.
Throughout our investigation, we found that those suffering from acne had a noticeably higher rate of vitamin B12 deficiency—38.6% in the acne group compared to the control group. However, while we saw this correlation, we did not establish a significant relationship between overall vitamin B12 levels and various blood parameters related to anemia. This means that although vitamin B12 deficiency was more prevalent in those with acne, it doesn’t necessarily imply that treating acne specifically with vitamin B12 will yield positive results.
Ultimately, our findings open the door for further investigation into how nutritional factors, particularly vitamin B12, might influence acne severity or development. We believe additional studies are necessary to confirm the possible connections we've observed and to explore potential treatment pathways.
Not great, I believe this product caused me to have acne flare-ups.
Read More
9
Acne linked to dosage
Don’t overdo it! I mistakenly took two per day initially, leading to breakouts. I suspected it was the cream, but when I stopped taking B12, the acne on my face immediately cleared up. I advise sticking to just one per day for short durations.
Read More
7.5
Acne improvement noted
It might not work for everyone, but I've battled adult acne for years. I started taking Vitamin A impulsively to see if there would be any improvement, and indeed, there was. Although it takes time, this truly helped enhance my skin quality and reduce my acne. I highly recommend it!
Read More
7.5
Improved skin condition
1 people found this helpful
I've noticed a significant improvement in my skin's condition after drinking vitamins regularly for two months. Since Vitamin B12 is hard for the body to absorb, having a balance with vitamins B1, B6, and B12 is essential. Initially, when I started Biotin and P-5-P, my rashes increased instead of improving. However, my doctor advised adding B12, and after two weeks, I saw positive results, especially in managing my acne.
Read More
4
B12 levels increased
My Vitamin B12 levels, which were low, rose quickly; however, I still dealt with the problem of having acne.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, though it's especially prevalent among teenagers and young adults. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of pimples, blackheads, and cysts. The main factors contributing to acne include excess oil production, hormonal changes, and the presence of bacteria on the skin. Acne can manifest in various forms, from mild cases with just a few breakouts to more severe forms that can cause significant inflammation and scarring.
Treatment for acne varies depending on its severity and can range from over-the-counter topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to prescription medications including retinoids and antibiotics. Lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining a balanced diet and proper skin hygiene, may also contribute to managing and reducing breakouts. Despite being a common skin issue, the psychological impact of acne should not be underestimated, as it can affect self-esteem and overall quality of life.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in several vital functions in the human body. It is essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Naturally occurring in animal products, the vitamin can be found in high concentrations in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, making it particularly important for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, as plant-based sources of B12 are limited and often require supplementation.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to serious health issues, including anemia, fatigue, memory problems, and nerve damage. Due to its significance, it's crucial for individuals, particularly those at risk of deficiency, to ensure adequate intake through diet or supplementation. For most adults, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) is around 2.4 micrograms, though pregnant or breastfeeding women may require higher amounts. If you're considering B12 supplements, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best option for your specific needs and health status.
When it comes to seeing results from supplements for acne, user experiences vary. Some users have reported noticeable improvements in their skin condition after consistently taking vitamins, particularly Vitamin B12 and Vitamin A, for periods ranging from two weeks to two months. For instance, one user mentioned seeing positive results in managing acne after about two weeks of incorporating B12 alongside other vitamins, while another saw significant improvement after two months of regular vitamin intake Read Review.
However, it's important to note that not everyone experiences the same effects. Some individuals have reported flare-ups or worsening acne before seeing any improvement, indicating that it might take some time for the body to adjust to the supplement regimen Read Review. Additionally, one user advised that lower doses may be more effective, suggesting that supplement intake should be carefully managed to avoid adverse reactions Read Review. As such, it's crucial to remain patient and consider personal body responses while taking these supplements.
The relationship between vitamin B12 and acne is complex and warrants careful consideration. Research indicates that there may be a correlation between vitamin B12 deficiency and the prevalence of acne, as a case-control study found that individuals with acne exhibited higher rates of vitamin B12 deficiency compared to a control group. However, the study did not establish a causative relationship or suggest that vitamin B12 supplementation would effectively treat acne [1]. Additionally, other reports highlight adverse effects, revealing that some individuals develop acneiform eruptions following vitamin B12 treatment, underscoring that higher vitamin B12 levels might not facilitate skin health [2][3].
Moreover, an exploration of the interactions between vitamin B12 and the skin bacteria associated with acne suggests that vitamin B12 might promote the production of porphyrins in acne-associated bacterial strains, potentially exacerbating acne conditions [5][6]. Conversely, while research has considered the implications of vitamin B12 post-isotretinoin treatment, the evidence remains inconclusive regarding its standalone benefits [4]. Overall, while vitamin B12 has intriguing connections to acne, current scientific research does not support its use as a reliable treatment and suggests a more nuanced role in skin health.
Based on user reviews, many individuals have reported varying degrees of improvement in their acne symptoms after incorporating vitamins into their daily routine. For instance, one user found significant enhancement in their skin's condition after regularly taking vitamins for about two months, emphasizing the importance of balancing B12 with other B vitamins Read Review. Another user, after years of battling adult acne, impulsively started taking Vitamin A and noted a marked improvement in their skin quality and a reduction in acne over time Read Review.
However, it's important to highlight that individual results can vary widely. Some users experienced initial flare-ups or worsening acne prior to seeing benefits, suggesting that the body may require time to adjust to new supplements Read Review. For example, one user reported that taking two B12 supplements per day led to breakouts, and resolved the issue by reducing the dosage to one Read Review. Thus, while many users have found success with these vitamins, patience and careful monitoring of one's regimen are crucial in achieving desired results.
Users have reported mixed experiences when combining this supplement with others in their acne management routines. For example, one reviewer noted that after starting Vitamin A, they observed significant improvements in their skin quality and a decrease in acne, highlighting the importance of trying different supplements for individual needs Read Review. In contrast, another user indicated that their initial use of Biotin and P-5-P led to increased rashes before they found success by adding B12 to their regimen, suggesting that combining vitamins can yield positive results when managed correctly Read Review.
However, caution is advised as not all combinations prove beneficial. One user shared their experience of developing acne flare-ups due to taking two B12 supplements daily, prompting them to scale back to one per day, which immediately cleared their skin Read Review. Similarly, another user mentioned experiencing flare-ups and believed that the supplement might have caused their acne to worsen Read Review. These narratives underscore the necessity for careful monitoring and potential adjustments when integrating multiple supplements into an acne treatment plan.
Based on user reviews, finding the right dose of B12 for treating acne can be tricky. One user observed that taking two B12 supplements per day initially led to breakouts, suggesting that moderation is key. They emphasized the importance of sticking to one per day for short durations to prevent adverse effects, which implies that higher doses may not always be better for skin health Read Review. Another user experienced a significant skin improvement after incorporating B12 into their regimen, recommending a balance with other vitamins to facilitate absorption Read Review.
Conversely, some users reported ongoing acne issues despite increasing their vitamin B12 levels, indicating that B12 alone may not be sufficient for everyone Read Review. While some have found relief through a careful and moderated approach, others suggest that acne management may require a combination of vitamins and not solely focus on B12. This suggests the necessity for individual experimentation and possibly consultation with a healthcare provider to determine the most effective dose for acne treatment.
7.5
Improved skin condition
1 people found this helpful
I've noticed a significant improvement in my skin's condition after drinking vitamins regularly for two months. Since Vitamin B12 is hard for the body to absorb, having a balance with vitamins B1, B6, and B12 is essential. Initially, when I started Biotin and P-5-P, my rashes increased instead of improving. However, my doctor advised adding B12, and after two weeks, I saw positive results, especially in managing my acne.
0
Flare-ups experienced
1 people found this helpful
Not great, I believe this product caused me to have acne flare-ups.
9
Acne linked to dosage
Don’t overdo it! I mistakenly took two per day initially, leading to breakouts. I suspected it was the cream, but when I stopped taking B12, the acne on my face immediately cleared up. I advise sticking to just one per day for short durations.
7.5
Acne improvement noted
It might not work for everyone, but I've battled adult acne for years. I started taking Vitamin A impulsively to see if there would be any improvement, and indeed, there was. Although it takes time, this truly helped enhance my skin quality and reduce my acne. I highly recommend it!
4
B12 levels increased
My Vitamin B12 levels, which were low, rose quickly; however, I still dealt with the problem of having acne.
5
Vitamin B12 deficiency linked to acne
The Relationship Between Nutritional Anemia and Acne: A Case-Control Study.
We delved into the relationship between nutritional anemia, specifically vitamin B12 deficiency, and acne among young individuals in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia. Utilizing a case-control study design, we compared a group of people with acne to a control group of similar age and demographics. Our research involved Electronic Health Records from a local outpatient department, which allowed us to analyze a broad set of data.
Throughout our investigation, we found that those suffering from acne had a noticeably higher rate of vitamin B12 deficiency—38.6% in the acne group compared to the control group. However, while we saw this correlation, we did not establish a significant relationship between overall vitamin B12 levels and various blood parameters related to anemia. This means that although vitamin B12 deficiency was more prevalent in those with acne, it doesn’t necessarily imply that treating acne specifically with vitamin B12 will yield positive results.
Ultimately, our findings open the door for further investigation into how nutritional factors, particularly vitamin B12, might influence acne severity or development. We believe additional studies are necessary to confirm the possible connections we've observed and to explore potential treatment pathways.
We observed a fascinating case involving a 47-year-old man who developed a skin condition after starting vitamin B12 treatment for pernicious anemia. Just six weeks into his weekly injections of hydroxocobalamin, he experienced a sudden and widespread outbreak of inflammatory acne-like bumps on his face and trunk. This skin eruption was not only extensive but also caused significant itching and included comedones, commonly known as blackheads, particularly on his chest.
Upon closer examination, the medical team diagnosed him with a vitamin B12-induced acneiform eruption, which is different from typical acne vulgaris. This distinction came from several unique factors, including the patient's age, the sudden onset of the condition, and the presence of pruritus (itching) alongside a uniform type of lesions across non-seborrheic areas.
After normalizing his vitamin B12 levels, the hydroxocobalamin injections were stopped, and lymecycline—a type of antibiotic—was introduced. Remarkably, this led to a complete resolution of his skin lesions within three months. This case highlights how vitamin B12 can have an unusual, but significant impact on skin health, demonstrating that its effects are not just limited to its role in blood health but can extend into dermatological issues as well.
9.5
Vitamin B12 causes acne-like eruptions
Acneiform eruptions caused by vitamin B12: A report of five cases and review of the literature.
We observed five notable cases of acneiform eruptions linked to vitamin B12 in women aged 21 to 62. These eruptions manifested between one week and five months after starting vitamin B12 therapy.
The primary symptoms consisted of papules and pustules appearing mainly on the face. In three of the patients, these skin issues also extended to areas like the neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back, but interestingly, there were no signs of comedones or cysts.
Out of the five women, two had particularly high levels of vitamin B12 in their blood. A closer look at one patient's skin under a microscope revealed eosinophilic folliculitis, a type of inflammation in hair follicles. Fortunately, all patients experienced spontaneous and complete recovery within three to six weeks after stopping vitamin B12 treatment.
Overall, while vitamin B12 did not provide a benefit for acne treatment, it highlighted an unusual side effect of acne-like symptoms in these cases.
7
Vitamin B12's effect on acne explored
Strain-Level Differences in Porphyrin Production and Regulation in Propionibacterium acnes Elucidate Disease Associations.
We explored the relationship between vitamin B12 and acne by examining how this vitamin influences porphyrin production in different strains of Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium that resides on our skin. Previous studies hinted that vitamin B12 could trigger higher porphyrin levels, leading to acne development.
Our findings confirmed that acne-associated strains of P. acnes produced significantly more porphyrins, especially when given vitamin B12. In contrast, strains linked to healthy skin showed much lower porphyrin levels and did not respond to vitamin B12 at all. This stark difference sheds light on how specific strains can either contribute to acne or support skin health.
Additionally, we identified a repressor gene in health-associated strains that seemed to limit porphyrin production, further indicating that not all P. acnes strains are created equal. While our study provides valuable insights into the potential role of vitamin B12 in acne's development, it also highlights the complex interplay of genetics in skin health.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial, as it paves the way for potential treatments that could harness the benefits of health-associated P. acnes strains while managing acne development.
4
Vitamin B12 affects acne mechanisms
Vitamin B12 modulates the transcriptome of the skin microbiota in acne pathogenesis.
We explored how vitamin B12 influences the skin microbiota and its potential connection to acne development. By analyzing the skin microbiota of acne patients and healthy individuals, we found that there are significant differences in the transcriptional profiles of these groups. Specifically, we noticed that the pathway responsible for vitamin B12 biosynthesis in a skin bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes was less active in those with acne.
To dive deeper, we conducted an experiment with healthy subjects who were given vitamin B12 supplements. Our findings showed that this supplementation suppressed the expression of vitamin B12 production genes in P. acnes and altered the overall activity of the skin microbiota. Interestingly, one participant developed acne just a week after starting the supplements, shedding light on a possible mechanism behind the observed connections.
Additionally, we identified that vitamin B12 supplemented P. acnes cultures led to an increased production of porphyrins, compounds known to trigger inflammation associated with acne. This suggests a novel pathway through which vitamin B12 may influence acne development, aligning with clinical observations that some individuals experience breakouts following vitamin B12 supplementation.
Overall, our study emphasizes the complex interplay between vitamin B12 and the skin microbiota, hinting at its pivotal role in acne pathogenesis.
9
Vitamin B12's unclear acne efficacy
Successful re-introduction of vitamin B12 after using isotretinoin to treat severe acne medicamentosa.
We explored the impact of reintroducing vitamin B12 in individuals who had undergone treatment with isotretinoin for severe acne, known as acne medicamentosa. This study aimed to examine whether vitamin B12 could help improve acne conditions after completing isotretinoin therapy.
Although we discussed the effects of vitamin B12, the study’s structure didn’t isolate it from other treatments, which might make it hard to gauge vitamin B12's full effectiveness on its own.
We observed that while vitamin B12 had some interaction in the treatment process, the overall conclusion about its significant benefits for acne remains unclear due to the lack of controlled conditions in the study design.
Therefore, while reintroducing vitamin B12 after isotretinoin treatment shows some potential, it does not provide strong enough evidence to confirm a notable impact on acne improvement alone.
References
Alharbi NM, AlGhofaili FA, Alsaud JS, Asiri LM, Almutairi SM, et al. The Relationship Between Nutritional Anemia and Acne: A Case-Control Study. Cureus. 2023;15:e39109. doi:10.7759/cureus.39109
Bahbouhi I, Aboudourib M, Hocar O, Amal S. Vitamin B12 induced acneiform eruption. Heliyon. 2023;9:e16120. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16120
Veraldi S, Benardon S, Diani M, Barbareschi M. Acneiform eruptions caused by vitamin B12: A report of five cases and review of the literature. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;17:112. doi:10.1111/jocd.12360
Lolatgis H, Su J, Nguyen R. Successful re-introduction of vitamin B12 after using isotretinoin to treat severe acne medicamentosa. Australas J Dermatol. 2016;57:320. doi:10.1111/ajd.12458
Johnson T, Kang D, Barnard E, Li H. Strain-Level Differences in Porphyrin Production and Regulation in Propionibacterium acnes Elucidate Disease Associations. mSphere. 2016;1. doi:10.1128/mSphere.00023-15
Kang D, Shi B, Erfe MC, Craft N, Li H. Vitamin B12 modulates the transcriptome of the skin microbiota in acne pathogenesis. Sci Transl Med. 2015;7:293ra103. doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.aab2009
Gökalp H, Bulur I, Gürer M. Decreased vitamin B12 and folic Acid concentrations in acne patients after isotretinoin therapy: a controlled study. Indian J Dermatol. 2014;59:630. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.143533