Acne is a real issue for adolescents and one study has recently highlighted a common vitamin that is present in all meat and dairy products, that might be linked to its occurrence. Apparently, vitamin B12 or cobalamin promotes the growth of certain acne causing bacteria even in the pores of relatively healthy skin.
Vitamin B12 is generally required in human nutrition for haemoglobin production, and brain and nervous system performance. Vitamin B12 is however able to aid the growth of certain bacteria which produce inflammation within the skin’s pores and lead to spots and pimples. The acne in particular is caused by the release of inflammation-inducing porphyrins produced by Propionibacterium acnes.
Researchers at the University of California and Los Angeles Health Sciences reported new findings linking the vitamin with bacterial growth. The research is still in its early phases and would prompt personal care businesses to investigate drugs that might minimise the uptake of cobalamin by such micro-organisms. Two studies were needed to show the link. The first one compared how much cobalamin was present in bacteria from 13 patients with acne with an average age of 25; compared to 20 healthy subjects. No differences were recorded in gender, ethnicity or age.
A second study looked at 10 healthy subjects who were taking vitamin B12 supplements and the changes that were taking place on their faces. Within the week, one of the subjects developed acne which started the chain of thought on the link with the vitamin. Transcriptional changes occurred in the skin microbiota whereby genetic changes were noted, induced by this vitamin.
The mechanisms are still being assessed but clearly preventing passage of the vitamin into the bacteria would be a starting point for acne therapy.
References
Kang, D., Shi, B., Erfe, M.C., Craft, N., Li, H. (2015) Vitamin B12 modulates the transcriptome of the skin microbiota in acne pathogenesis. Science Translational Medicine [24 Jun 2015] 7(293), pp. 293-103 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aab2009
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Great post! I suffered from terrible acne from the age of twelve to my early forties. I did go on Accutane, which helped for a while but it always flared back up, and the side effects were awful. Eliminating grains and reducing sugar from my diet, along with lots of healthy fats was a big help. Probiotics are so important too!
I certainly think that a healthy diet with may be slightly increased levels of zinc, calcium and B12 as mentioned should be incorporated in the diet. It is always best to follow doctor’s guidelines if medication is prescribed.
Have you seen the blog post on acne and B1 side effects ? See http://jacknorrisrd.com/vitamin-b12-and-acne/