Khaberni - Vitamin B12 deficiency often presents as changes in the skin such as paleness and hyperpigmentation. What are its causes and the main solutions available to overcome this common problem?
Vitamin B12 deficiency indicates a weakness in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. Its visible signs may precede more serious neurological and blood complications and include cracked lips and white spots. Identifying these skin indicators is crucial for timely treatment and maintaining overall health.
Characteristics of this vitamin:
Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve functions, DNA formation, and red blood cell production, but its importance for skin health is often overlooked. Significant drops in this vitamin level can cause noticeable changes in the skin such as dark spots, paleness, dryness, and infections, all reflecting the body's struggle to deliver oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. Identifying the problem in this area ensures effective treatment as well as improved skin health and long-term general health.
The importance of its role:
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in maintaining skin health by supporting cell formation, growth, and repair mechanisms. Without enough of it, the skin may also not receive enough oxygen and essential nutrients, leading to noticeable changes such as dryness, pigmentation, and slow wound healing, in addition to its direct impact on skin cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also weaken the immune system, making the skin more susceptible to infections and inflammations. It affects nerve function, which may contribute to a range of skin problems, such as allergies or sensations of tingling.
Signs of deficiency:
Recent studies show that Vitamin B12 deficiency may appear on the skin well before its most common symptoms. The most prominent signs are as follows:
• Hyperpigmentation: Darkening of the skin, especially on the hands and feet, is one of the most common skin signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency. The skin on the face may also appear more uneven and darker than usual.
• White patches: Due to the deficiency in this vitamin, some may develop white or depigmented patches as a result of melanin formation disorders. These patches often appear on exposed body areas and become more noticeable over time, and may spread if the underlying cause continues.
• Pale and yellowing skin: Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to a reduction in red blood cell production causing skin paleness. Sometimes, the breakdown of abnormal red blood cells can turn the skin yellow.
• Cracked mouth corners: Presents as painful cracks around the corners of the lips. Such cracks accompany low Vitamin B12 levels, slowing cell renewal and weakening immunity.
• Dry skin and changes in hair: Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to excessive dryness of the skin and rough or flaky texture, and also affect the hair, making it brittle, weak, and prone to falling out due to weakened cell renewal.
• Acne and dermatitis: Imbalances in cell repair and immunity can lead to a skin rash resembling acne or inflammatory rashes in some people.
Foods rich in Vitamin B12:
This vitamin is necessary for supporting the nervous system and the production of red blood cells. In case of deficiency, focus on consuming foods or dietary supplements fortified with it.
Rich animal sources:
• Poultry and beef.
• Fish and seafood: salmon, tuna, sardines, and oysters.
• Eggs and dairy products.
Fortified plant sources:
• Fortified breakfast cereals.
• Fortified plant milks including soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk.
