Acne and blemishes and vitamin B12 shots

Vitamin B12 and sudden acne!

Patients repeatedly complain about an increased occurrence of pimples or the development or worsening of acne during high-dose vitamin B12 therapy. However, it has not yet been clearly determined where the inexplicable vitamin B12 acne comes from. Various theories are circulating about the vitamin preparation.

On the one hand, so-called porphyrins (organic-chemical compounds) in the skin are blamed, or a cobalt allergy or a detoxification reaction, to name but a few.

Some studies concluded that when there is an excess of vitamin B12 in the skin, the gene activity of these skin bacteria increases and inflammatory processes are fueled.

However, it has been observed that not all individuals experience this acne-promoting effect after vitamin B12 administration. However, it is suspected that it affects individuals who are prone to or have been prone to acne. Why this is the case is currently unclear.

It is interesting that vitamin B12 acne primarily occurs with high-dose therapy involving injections. Due to this fact, oral intake should be preferred. Often, smaller, oral doses are better tolerated by the body.

Since a folic acid deficiency can also be considered as a trigger for pimples, the simultaneous administration of folic acid and biotin is recommended. Anecdotal reports show that this has partially prevented the worsening of the skin.

Furthermore, it is recommended to reduce foods that contain a lot of vitamin B12, such as:

• Beef, liver
• Pork, liver
• Anchovy
• Salmon
• Chicken egg
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Milk