Anemia, whether pernicious or not, increased risk of thrombosis, cardiovascular risk, heart attack... A deficiency in vitamin B12 is not harmless and can have serious health consequences. This deficiency can also manifest itself at the skin level through pigmentation disorders, most often through hyperpigmentation, although it can also manifest as vitiligo, and by a weakening of the nail structures, or even a change in their coloration. The scientific community suspects that vitamin B12 may interact with melanogenesis, the melanin synthesis pathway. Indeed, it seems that this molecule influences the levels of glutathione, a compound that regulates the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, responsible for the conversion of tyrosine into melanin.
In order to prevent the risks mentioned above, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (Anses) recommends consuming at least 4 µg of vitamin B12 per day, a dose that slightly increases for pregnant women. Vitamin B12 can be naturally found in various animal products, such as scallops, tuna, or sheep's liver. It is more challenging for vegetarians to have a sufficient daily intake of vitamin B12, hence the interest for these individuals to supplement under medical advice. However, it is strongly advised against starting a vitamin B12 regimen without discussing it with your doctor. Outside of deficiency cases, there is no scientific evidence that it can be beneficial to the skin, on the contrary. Some studies suggest that high dosages or prolonged intake of vitamin B12 could constitute risk factors for acne. Discontinuation of supplementation usually allows for a spontaneous and complete remission within a few weeks.
Key Takeaway : Vitamin B12 is an essential molecule for the body and skin. However, it is not recommended to supplement with Vitamin B12 if there is no risk of deficiency and without discussing it with your doctor, as an overdose can have undesirable effects.