Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 15 Researches
7.3
USERS' SCORE
Medium or Average
Based on 10 Reviews
6.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Folate
1,360 mcg DFE** (800 mcg folic acid)
340%
Vitamin B-12 (as Cyanocobalamin)
25 mcg
1042%
Top Medical Research Studies
9.5
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.
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
9.5
Vitamin B12 influences acne development
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.
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
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.
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
9
Chin acne disappeared
6 people found this helpful
I bought it for fertility, but it remarkably improved my acne. I previously took Chocola BB for my skin, but this time started with different intentions, only to be pleased with the outcome. My chin acne, which typically flared before my period, has vanished. The small grain is easy to take, and I continue to use one daily.
Read More
0
Acne worsened initially
5 people found this helpful
Acid and not folate acid did not appeal to me from the outset. The very next day after starting, I experienced an outburst of acne that made it difficult to leave the house. Each day, the acne worsened, spreading beyond my face. I ceased taking it, and within one to two weeks, all the breakouts vanished.
Read More
0
B12 caused acne
The quality is great; however, the high level of B12 caused acne for me.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 15 Researches
7.3
- All Researches
9.5
Vitamin B12 influences acne development
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.
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
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.
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
We evaluated the effectiveness of Tracnil™, a blend of myo-inositol, folic acid, and vitamin D3, in treating acne among 33 overweight women with normal hormone levels. This single-arm study monitored acne severity, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularities over eight weeks.
Results revealed significant reductions in acne lesions and improvements in hirsutism and menstrual cycles, all with minimal side effects. Although the subjects had normal hormone levels, Tracnil™ seemed to enhance receptor sensitivity to sex hormones, positioning it as a promising first-line treatment for acne linked to PCOS.
Results revealed significant reductions in acne lesions and improvements in hirsutism and menstrual cycles, all with minimal side effects. Although the subjects had normal hormone levels, Tracnil™ seemed to enhance receptor sensitivity to sex hormones, positioning it as a promising first-line treatment for acne linked to PCOS.
Read More
9
We examined the impact of adding a new dietary supplement, NicAzel, to existing acne treatments in 235 patients with inflammatory acne vulgaris over an 8-week period.
The study showed promising results, with 88% of participants reporting a reduction in inflammatory lesions after using NicAzel. Moreover, 81% felt their complexion improved significantly, and many rated this supplement as effective as previous antibiotic treatments.
However, it's essential to note that while these findings are encouraging, further studies are needed to fully understand its long-term efficacy and safety.
The study showed promising results, with 88% of participants reporting a reduction in inflammatory lesions after using NicAzel. Moreover, 81% felt their complexion improved significantly, and many rated this supplement as effective as previous antibiotic treatments.
However, it's essential to note that while these findings are encouraging, further studies are needed to fully understand its long-term efficacy and safety.
Read More
9
Nicomide shows notable acne improvement
We conducted a study to evaluate how effective Nicomide, which includes folic acid, is for treating acne and rosacea. Over eight weeks, 198 patients tracked their progress. Remarkably, 79% reported noticeable improvements after just four weeks, with many seeing over 50% reduction in lesions.
What’s interesting is that adding oral antibiotics didn’t enhance the results compared to using Nicomide alone. This suggests that Nicomide could be a valuable alternative to antibiotics for those struggling with these skin conditions.
What’s interesting is that adding oral antibiotics didn’t enhance the results compared to using Nicomide alone. This suggests that Nicomide could be a valuable alternative to antibiotics for those struggling with these skin conditions.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Medium or Average
Based on 10 Reviews
6.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Chin acne disappeared
6 people found this helpful
I bought it for fertility, but it remarkably improved my acne. I previously took Chocola BB for my skin, but this time started with different intentions, only to be pleased with the outcome. My chin acne, which typically flared before my period, has vanished. The small grain is easy to take, and I continue to use one daily.
Read More
0
Acne worsened initially
5 people found this helpful
Acid and not folate acid did not appeal to me from the outset. The very next day after starting, I experienced an outburst of acne that made it difficult to leave the house. Each day, the acne worsened, spreading beyond my face. I ceased taking it, and within one to two weeks, all the breakouts vanished.
Read More
0
B12 caused acne
The quality is great; however, the high level of B12 caused acne for me.
Read More
2
Acne post-medication
1 people found this helpful
Prescribed by the doctor. Acne appeared after taking these pills, and I cannot recommend them.
Read More
7.5
Fewer breakouts observed
Folic acid was recommended to me by a doctor due to my complaints about the periodic appearance of acne during artificial menopause. Since starting it, my breakouts have lessened!
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Chin acne disappeared
6 people found this helpful
I bought it for fertility, but it remarkably improved my acne. I previously took Chocola BB for my skin, but this time started with different intentions, only to be pleased with the outcome. My chin acne, which typically flared before my period, has vanished. The small grain is easy to take, and I continue to use one daily.
0
Acne worsened initially
5 people found this helpful
Acid and not folate acid did not appeal to me from the outset. The very next day after starting, I experienced an outburst of acne that made it difficult to leave the house. Each day, the acne worsened, spreading beyond my face. I ceased taking it, and within one to two weeks, all the breakouts vanished.
6
Minimal acne change
I heard that folic acid is beneficial for women's health before pregnancy, so I'm taking it for the future. Since I started, I feel like I've experienced somewhat less acne, but the change hasn't been dramatic. I'll continue taking it in hopes of future benefits.
7.5
Fewer breakouts observed
Folic acid was recommended to me by a doctor due to my complaints about the periodic appearance of acne during artificial menopause. Since starting it, my breakouts have lessened!
0
B12 caused acne
The quality is great; however, the high level of B12 caused acne for me.
0
Acne breakout occurred
Caution: may cause acne. Folic acid is beneficial for both men and women, and I took it while planning a pregnancy. The quality and ingredients matched the manufacturer's description. The capsules are small and easy to take, with no noticeable taste. However, my facial skin reacted poorly, resulting in large subcutaneous pimples, which prompted me to stop taking folic acid. Thankfully, everything returned to normal afterwards. It's a pity, as I wonder if I should have waited to see if it improved, but I was frightened and discontinued the vitamins.
9
We evaluated the effectiveness of Tracnil™, a blend of myo-inositol, folic acid, and vitamin D3, in treating acne among 33 overweight women with normal hormone levels. This single-arm study monitored acne severity, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularities over eight weeks.
Results revealed significant reductions in acne lesions and improvements in hirsutism and menstrual cycles, all with minimal side effects. Although the subjects had normal hormone levels, Tracnil™ seemed to enhance receptor sensitivity to sex hormones, positioning it as a promising first-line treatment for acne linked to PCOS.
Results revealed significant reductions in acne lesions and improvements in hirsutism and menstrual cycles, all with minimal side effects. Although the subjects had normal hormone levels, Tracnil™ seemed to enhance receptor sensitivity to sex hormones, positioning it as a promising first-line treatment for acne linked to PCOS.
7
We explored a new skincare line aimed at treating mild to moderate acne, featuring gender-specific oral supplements and a topical cream. In a double-blinded clinical trial, participants reported significant improvements in their acne after 12 weeks, specifically those using the oral supplements, which included folic acid for women.
While the results were promising, indicating an effective treatment option, it’s crucial to know that the overall benefit linked to any specific ingredient, like folic acid, was not highlighted. The focus on personalized treatment represents an exciting advancement in acne therapy.
While the results were promising, indicating an effective treatment option, it’s crucial to know that the overall benefit linked to any specific ingredient, like folic acid, was not highlighted. The focus on personalized treatment represents an exciting advancement in acne therapy.
4
We investigated the effects of folic acid and vitamin B supplementation on patients undergoing isotretinoin treatment for acne. In our randomized controlled trial with 66 participants, one group received isotretinoin with supplementation while the other received isotretinoin alone.
The results showed that those who took folic acid and vitamin B had a significant reduction in homocysteine levels and an increase in folic acid and vitamin B levels. However, there were no notable benefits related to acne itself, suggesting that while there may be potential health benefits related to folate deficiency and homocysteine, folic acid does not directly impact acne severity.
The results showed that those who took folic acid and vitamin B had a significant reduction in homocysteine levels and an increase in folic acid and vitamin B levels. However, there were no notable benefits related to acne itself, suggesting that while there may be potential health benefits related to folate deficiency and homocysteine, folic acid does not directly impact acne severity.
5
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.
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.
References
- Ramanan EA, Ravi S, Anbu KRR, Michael M. Efficacy and Safety of Tracnil™ Administration in Patients with Dermatological Manifestations of PCOS: An Open-Label Single-Arm Study. Dermatol Res Pract. 2020;2020:7019126. doi:10.1155/2020/7019126
- Advani K, Batra M, Tajpuriya S, Gupta R, Saraswat A, et al. Efficacy of combination therapy of inositols, antioxidants and vitamins in obese and non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: an observational study. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2020;40:96. doi:10.1080/01443615.2019.1604644
- Ghiasi M, Mortazavi H, Jafari M. Efficacy of Folic Acid and Vitamin B Replacement Therapies in the Reduction of Adverse Effects of Isotretinoin: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Skinmed. 2018;16:239.
- Tolino E, Skroza N, Mambrin A, Bernardini N, Zuber S, et al. Novel combination for the treatment of acne differentiated based on gender: a new step towards personalized treatment. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2018;153:866. doi:10.23736/S0392-0488.18.05710-3
- Shalita AR, Falcon R, Olansky A, Iannotta P, Akhavan A, et al. Inflammatory acne management with a novel prescription dietary supplement. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11:1428.
- Niren NM, Torok HM. The Nicomide Improvement in Clinical Outcomes Study (NICOS): results of an 8-week trial. Cutis. 2006;77:17.
- Ahmed SH, El-Kelish AA, Hafeez NA, El-Bakry ST. Influential Factors of Depression in Patients with Moderate and Severe Acne. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020;13:13.
- Feily A. Successful Treatment of Isotretinoin Induced Musculoskeletal Pain by Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2019;7:3726. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2019.799
- 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
