Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) deficiency causes white spots on the skin

Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin of the B complex and one of its form is known as Cyanocobalamin.
Vit B12 is vital for the normal functioning of the nervous system and in the production of other B complex vitamins. It is essential for the fatty acid metabolism for energy production and DNA synthesis.

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is only synthesized by bacteria and cannot be produced by animals and plants.
Bio-synthesis and vitamin B12 production is carried on by gut bacteria. Very insignificant amount of vit B12 is synthesised by human gut bacteria.
The gut bacteria of the herbivores synthesise great quantities of this vit B12 and excess vit B12 production is stored in their liver and red tissues.

Causes of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) deficiency
Deficiency of vit B12 occurs either due to insufficient intake or poor absorption, as usually the cause in elderly persons.
Certain intestinal disorders like chronic atrophic gastritis, wherein absorption of food is impaired, can cause vit B12 deficiency.
As vitamin B12 naturally occurs in animal products like egg, meat and milk, the vegans who renounce the above vit B12 rich foods can develop severe deficiency of cyanocobalamin unless they take supplements.
Persons with severe infestation of intestinal parasites and worms will suffer deficiency of vit B12 as the parasites will compete with the host for the available vit B12.
In alcoholics symptoms and effects of vit B12 deficiency are pronounced due poor nutritional habits and the interference of alcohol in the absorption and utilisation of vit B12.

Vitamin B12 deficiency causes
The deficiency vit B12 (cyanocobalamin) can lead to Megaloblastic anemia wherein blood corpuscles are enlarged.
The deficiency of this vitamin can cause severe and irreversible damage of the brain and nervous system.
In slight vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms like depression, dementia and fatigue may be experienced.
Vit B12 deficiency in its severity has been found to cause symptoms like mania and psychosis.
Early symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are itching or pain in tongue, white spots on the skin due to lack of melanin in the area.
Symptoms also include sharp and tingling pain on the hand or wrist, sores on the corners of the mouth and nerve shock in the side of the body.
Vit B12 deficiency symptoms also show as breathlessness, twitching of the eye, memory loss and disorientation, migraine headaches and suicidal tendencies.
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms and changes become irreversible over a length of time and may not be corrected even with supplements.

Vitamin B12 benefits for skin care and skin health
Vitamin B12 is very essential for sensitivity and skin's sensory functions. Deficiency of vitamin B12, by damaging the nerves, causes sensitivity, numbness and loss of sensation on parts of skin.
Vitamin B12 has some effect over the production and deposition of melanin pigment on the skin.
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes white spots on the skin.
These vit B12 deficiency white spots on skin, lack melanin and occur anywhere on the body. These vit B12 deficiency caused white spots may be itchy, often occurring on the outside of the forearm.
These B12 deficiency white spots may grow white hair.
If vit B12 supplement is not given to correct the deficiency, these vitamin B12 deficiency white spots will get whiter and skin may be itching.
With the passage of time these vit B12 white spots will become very dry and flaky and red/pink raw spots of lower layers of skin will get exposed. These white/pink/red spots will get infected and itching and other symptoms of skin diseases and dermatitis set in.
Dermatitis caused by vitamin B12 deficiency Vitamin B12 deficiency can also give rise to itching of the skin.
A person afflicted by itching gets relief and benefits from cyanocobalamin food supplements.
Symptoms like sores at the corners of the mouth, occasionally extending along the edge of the lip reveal the presence of cyanocobalamin deficiency.
Sometimes symptoms like darkness or paleness in skin color due to vit b12 (cyanocobalamin) deficiency is encountered caused by reduced circulation and lack of nutrients to the skin.

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) Toxicity
Toxicity of vitamin B12 may occur in very high doses and dermatitis and stomach irritation are main symptoms.
In some cases when used along with antibiotics side effects have been encountered with varied symptoms. Hence cautious observation should be made.
High doses of vitamin B12 may mask the symptoms of deficiency of vitamin B9 (folic acid).
Food Sources of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
Good vit B12 foods are meat, liver, shellfish, milk and eggs. A very high value vit B12 food is liver.
Plants do not supply the vitamin. Vegetarians who do not take even eggs have to take supplements with their food to ward off deficiency.

Recommended dietary daily allowances of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) are as follows:
Infants and children
one year to 3 years: O.9 micrograms
4 years to 8 years: 1.2 micrograms
9 years to 13 years: 1.8 micrograms
Teenagers and adults
14 years to 18 years: males 2.4 micrograms; females 2.6 micrograms
Above 19 years: males 2.4 micrograms; females 2.6 micrograms
Pregnant women: 2.8 micrograms
Lactating mothers: 2.8 micrograms
For related information on skin inflammation (dermatitis), white spots and skin sensitivity read the following posts.

1. Vitamin B6 ( pyridoxine, Pyridoxal phosphate, pyridoxamine) deficiency can cause skin inflammation (dermatitis)
2. Folic acid (vitamin B9) deficiency causes dermatitis( skin inflammation)
3. Vitamin b1 deficiency causes skin sensitivity

For further skin care tips and information read the following posts.

1. The wonder super food spirulina for skin care
2. The wonder super food olive oil for skin care

For further information please visit http://www.thedynamicnature.com/vitamins/vitamin%20B12.html.

The wonder super food spirulina for skin care

Spirulina are free-floating filamentous cyanobacteria. Spirulina is cultivated around the world, and is used in healthcare as a human dietary supplement as well as a whole food and is available in tablet, flake, and powder form.

It is also used as a feed supplement in the aquaculture, aquarium, and poultry industries. Spirulina contains an unusually high amount of protein, between 55% and 77% by dry weight, depending upon the source and the care taken in dehydration. This algae contains eight essential amino acids. Apart from containing essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), it also contains vitamin B complex, other vitamins and essential trace minerals for health care.

It is also a major source of calcium and iron. This super food is the richest Beta Carotene food, with a full spectrum of ten mixed carotenoids. Spirulina is an ideal anti-aging food as it has concentrated nutrient value, easily digested and loaded with antioxidants. Beta Carotene is good for care of eyes and vision. This algae tones up the skin and prevents aging and wrinkles.

In animal and human studies, it has shown to enhance immune function. Spirulina lowers cholesterol and supports the immune system. It has detoxifying effects and reduces the toxic effects of heavy metals on our body. This algae is very easily absorbed, and so is a great supplement in times of sickness, digestive problems, or malnourishment. It has been used with success in care of malnourished children in poverty stricken parts of the world.

Benefits of Spirulina in skin care

It gives immense benefits for skin when used as food and when applied on it. The best way to reap the full benefits of spirulina in your skin care is to take it with plain water. When cooked with food, some of the skin care vitamins present in spirulina may get destroyed. Alternatively you can add a teaspoonful of its powder with raw fruit juices or milk shakes. It will smell like sea weed and you can get over the smell in a couple of days.

Spirulina for skin care applications include facial care masks, moisturisers, cleansers, facial pack, hair pack, hair care shampoo etc.. Containing complete essential amino acids, it gives balance to the protein profile and the requirement of food gets reduced. Spirulina, because of its high protein content, functions as appetite suppressant and the body weight is reduced. This action of spirulina in skin care, leads to reduction of deposits of fat and improved health of the skin.

Teenagers require more proteins for the rapid growth of the body. Most of the plant sources lack some or other essential amino acid. Animal sources though provide complete proteins, they also add unnecessary fats to the body. This excess fat and hormonal changes cause pimples and acne in the skin of adolescents. Taking spirulina to fulfil the protein requirements, apart from controlling acne and pimples, adds a glow to the skin.

For reducing skin inflammation gamma linolenic acid in spirulina has been found to be very helpful. Spirulina is found to reduce allergies. The good presence of superoxide dismutase and beta carotene in spirulina, help in the maintenance of skin tone and remove blemishes and discoloration spots. Spirulina because of its immunity enhancing effects, helps in the prevention and cure of many skin ailments like, cancer, herpes simplex, measles, psoriasis, acne, eczema and inflammation.

Homely tips for skin care with spirulina - Spirulina in facial skin care

To remove excess skin oil
Take about two tablespoons of spirulina powder and mix it with sufficient warm water to get a paste.
Apply the paste on the face evenly leaving the eyes. Leave the paste to dry on the skin for about 15 - 30 minutes.
Then rinse well with clean water and dab with clean cloth to dry the skin.
Immediately apply two or three drops of virgin olive oil to lock in the moisture. This procedure with spirulina, apart from removing the excess skin oil will tone up the skin and gradually reduce the wrinkles.
Spirulina Tablets
Spirulina as cleanser in skin care
Take half a cup of curd/yogurt, one teaspoon of spirulina powder, one teaspoon of honey, half teaspoon of lemon juice and a few drops of essential oil.
Mix the ingredients well and apply the spirulina cleanser on the facial skin and massage gently for 5 - 10 minutes.
Then rinse well. This will clean your facial skin, remove dead skin debris, open up pores and moisturise the skin.

Spirulina for skin care mask
Take 1/4 cup of starch, half teaspoon of honey, two teaspoons of spirulina powder, 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice and a few drops of essential oil.
Add water and mix well to get a soft paste. Apply this spirulina paste on the facial skin evenly and leave it for about 10 - 15 minutes.
Then rinse well with water, dab face dry and apply two or three drops of olive oil to lock in the moisture.
Apply spirulina facial skin mask once in a week.
Your skin will lap up the vitamins and trace minerals in spirulina.
Your skin will get toned up and gradually wrinkles will go.

Spirulina for hair and scalp skin care

The protein rich nature of spirulina invigorates the hair and scalp skin from within and from outside.

Spirulina protein shampoo
Take two eggs, 3 tablespoonful of yoghurt, spirulina powder one teaspoon, 1/4 teaspoon of olive oil and a few drops of essential oil.
Prepare this spirulina protein rich hair shampoo by blending the above ingredients thoroughly.
Apply to hair and scalp. Massage scalp skin with spirulina blend for 2 - 3 minutes.
Then rinse the hair. Regular treatment with spirulina shampoo will nourish the hair roots and scalp skin, reduce hair loss and hair fall, treat poor hair growth, dry hair and spit ends, stop premature gray/white hair and cure diseases of the scalp skin like dandruff and psoriasis.

Spirulina for nourishing skin bath
Take spirulina powder 2 teaspoons, olive oil one teaspoon, honey one teaspoon, lemon juice 2 teaspoons, one cup of milk and several drops of essential oil and blend them thoroughly.
Fill the bath tub and add the blend to the water and mix well.
Relax in the bath tub for about 15 minutes and get your body nourished by the spirulina blend.
Take care. The tub may slippery due to addition of oils.
Your skin will get nourished by vitamins and minerals in the spirulina blend and will tone up and put on a healthy glow.
For further skin care tips and information read the following post.

1. The wonder food olive oil for skin care.

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Skin care - Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency causes skin sensitivity

Skin senses > Various causes of skin sensitivity
Vitamin B₁ is a micronutrient in the B complex group and is known as Thiamine. Vitamin B1 is one of nutrients found to be associated with a pandemic human deficiency disease.

Thiamine deficiency results in Beriberi and skin sensitivity. Thiamine is essential for the functioning of the nervous system and carbohydrate metabolism. The common symptoms in Beriberi involve the nervous system, the heart, skin sensitivity and general mental and physical debility. In the digestive system vitamin B1 is useful in the secretion of hydrochloric acid for the digestive process.

Thiamine is believed to be helpful in conditions like arthritis, cataracts, certain forms of diabetes. Thiamine is associated with memory and learning. Enzymes dependant on thiamine are present in almost all body cells. Hence deficiency in vitamin B1 is found to affect almost all the systems of the body. Heart and nervous system are particularly have sensitivity to deficiency of vitamin B1.

Causes of thiamine deficiency

The main cause of thiamine deficiency is malnutrition. Grains and cereals are very important food sources of vitamin B1. However most of the vitamin B1 in them is present in the outer layers and bran. However polishing the grains and refining the grains and their flour cases considerable loss of the vitamin B1.

High levels of alcohol in the blood interferes with the absorption and utilisation of thiamine and deficiency occurs in alcoholics. Shell fish, freshwater fish and ferns are rich in thiaminase, and raw consumption of them can result in thiamine getting degraded leading to its deficiency and skin sensitivity.

Antithiamine factors are present in betel nuts, tea and coffee, and excess consumption of these can can lead to deficiency of vitamin B1.

Elderly people who suffer malnutrition due to impaired absorption and people with gastrointestinal disorders develop deficiency of vitamin B1 and skin sensitivity.

Chronic diseases have been found to cause vitamin B1 deficiency.

Diabetics have been found to have deficiency of thiamine.

Vitamin B1 deficiency affects

Minor deficiency of Thiamine may result in loss of appetite, forgetfulness, irritability, sensitivity, digestive problems, and fatigue.
Vitamin B1 deficiency causes hair loss and white/gray hair.

A higher degree of deficiency may lead to nervousness, sensitivity, poor mental and nervous coordination, loss of weight and muscular and general weakness.

In severe deficiency with the setting in of Beriberi and/or wernicke's encephalopathy, neurodegeneration, wasting, neuro sensitivity and death may result.

Vitamin B1 benefits for skin care, sensitivity and skin health

Vitamin B1 is very important for the healthy maintenance of the hair, clear and youthful skin, sensitivity and eyes. Thiamine is involved in many functions connected with nervous system and also in the formation of nerve fibres. Our skin has millions of nerve endings for varied sensory purposes. Damage to the nerves leads to reduced or loss of skin sensitivity.

In some cases hyper sensitivity of skin may occur with pin and needle sensation in the skin and tingling sensations in the hands and legs. The deficiency of vitamin B1 causes sensitivity of the skin, teeth, gums and cheek. Cracks also may appear on the lips with high skin sensitivity. As deficiency of vitamin B1 causes anemia and reduction in blood supply to the scalp, hair fall, premature graying of hair and poor growth of hair are experienced.

Thiamine 3D view (enlarge)

Toxicity of vitamin B1

Thiamine toxicity is rare as it is water soluble, in excess, it is excreted in urine. Very high doses of thiamine can interfere with insulin and thyroid production. In rare cases, thiamine has caused anaphylactic shock when high doses were given intravenously. Rare symptoms of overdose are hyper sensitivity, high blood pressure, palpitation, insomnia, nervousness and skin eruptions.

Food sources of vitamin B1

Thiamine is found in a wide variety of foods. Many varieties of seeds, bran of wheat and rice, liver, seafood, egg, yeast, oatmeal and fruits like oranges are good food sources of vitamin B1. High value vitamin B1 food are liver and baker's yeast.

For related information on skin inflammation (dermatitis), white spots and skin sensitivity read the following posts.

1. The wonder super food spirulina for skin care
2. The wonder super food olive oil for skin care

Folic acid (vitamin B9) deficiency causes dermatitis (skin inflammation)

Folic acid is a water soluble vitamin and is labeled as vitamin B9. Its chemical name is pteroylglutamic acid. It is also called as Folate, Folacin and vitamin M.

This vitamin can be synthesized by by intestinal flora and stored in the liver. Folic acid is very important for production and maintenance of new cells, especially nerve cells. Both adults and children require folic acid for the production and maturation of red blood corpuscles. Folic acid has been found to be effective in treating depression and anxiety. Folic acid is very important in the development of the nervous system of the developing fetus.

Causes of vitamin B9 (folic acid) deficiency

Malnutrition is one of the main causes of vitamin B9 (folic acid) deficiency. Apart from the low income people, affluent population also suffers from folic acid deficiency, because of their preferential intake of processed foods. In processed foods by storage and processing the folic acid gets destroyed. Elderly people are also predisposed to folic acid deficiency, due to malnutrition and digestive impairment.

Pregnancy can be one of the causes of folic acid deficiency, as pregnant women need more folic acid due to fetal demand. Breast-feeding also causes deficiency of folic acid due to the added requirement of the infant. In persons who drink heavily, folic acid insufficiency may occur as active alcohol dehydrogenase in their blood by binding with folate interferes with its utilization.

Tropical sprue and celiac disease cause atrophy and loss of villi in the intestine and apart from debility, this causes the deficiency of folic acid. Patients on dialysis have been found to get folic acid depleted and become deficient. Nutritional deficiencies of Zinc, riboflavin, vitamin B12 and niacin can affect absorption and metabolism of folic acid causing vitamin B9 deficiency.

Vitamin B9 (folic acid) deficiency causes

• Shortage of folic acid may be indicated with diarrhea, heartburn and constipation.
• Deficiency of folic acid in pregnancy may cause birth defects of the skull, brain, spine and nervous system.
• Fatigue, skin inflammation and cracking of the corners of the mouth are some of symptoms in folic acid deficiency.
In severity folic acid deficiency causes loss of appetite, loss of memory, anxiety, anemia, osteoporosis and cancer.
• Folic acid deficiency can cause sub-fertility.
• Skin manifestations of folic acid deficiency are poor growth of hair, premature graying of hair, loss of hair, skin inflammation, sore tongue and glossitis (swollen tongue).

Vitamin B9 (folic acid) benefits for skin care and skin health

• Vitamin B9 is very essential for the skin and hair health and helps in preventing premature graying of hair and hair loss.
• Being essential for cell division, cell growth and immunity, folic acid prevents and also heals skin and hair follicle infections by speeding up skin repair.
• Vitiligo is a skin pigment disorder appearing as white spots and patches on the skin. Vitiligo is found to respond well to folic acid supplements, if it is due to folic acid deficiency. Vitiligo patients have been found to have very low levels of folic acid.
• Folic acid and creatine as a topical formulation have been found to accelerate regeneration of the epidermal skin.
• Folic acid in the skin is destroyed by sunlight and the resultant folic acid deficiency of the skin contributes to the risk of skin cancer.
• The most common folic acid deficiency symptom in the skin is seborrheic dermatitis (inflammation of skin).
• Skin conditions like psoriasis respond well to folic acid supplements.
• Folic acid aids in faster replenishment of skin cells and contributes to firmer and younger skin.

Toxicity of vitamin B9 (folic acid)

Toxicity of folic acid has been rarely reported. Persons taking drugs for epilepsy should be careful, as higher doses of folic acid may alter the functioning of the drugs. High doses of folic acid may mask the deficiency of vitamin B12.

Food sources of vitamin B9 (folic acid):

Good vitamin B9 (folic acid) foods are cereals, vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, liver, liver oils, meat, fish and chicken contain folic acid in sufficient amounts. High value vitamin B9 (folic acid) food are liver and baker's yeast.

Recommended dietary daily allowances of vitamin B9 (folic acid) are as follows:

Infants and children

newborn to 12 months: 65 micrograms - 8o micrograms

one year to 3 years: 150 micrograms

4 years to 8 years: 200 micrograms

9 years to 13 years: 300 micrograms

Teenagers and adults

14 years to 18 years: 400 micrograms

Above 19 years: 400 micrograms

Pregnant women: 600 micrograms

Lactating mothers: 500 micrograms

For related information on skin inflammation (dermatitis), white spots and skin sensitivity read the following posts.

1. Vitamin B6 ( pyridoxine, Pyridoxal phosphate, pyridoxamine) deficiency can cause skin inflammation (dermatitis)
2. Vitamin B1 deficiency causes skin sensitivity
3. Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) deficiency causes white spots on the skin
4. The wonder super food spirulina for skin care
5. The wonder super food olive oil for skin care

Vitamin B6 ( pyridoxine, Pyridoxal phosphate, pyridoxamine) deficiency can cause skin inflammation (dermatitis)

Vitamin B6 is water soluble and its active form is called Pyridoxal phosphate. Its other active forms are pyridoxine and pyridoxamine.

Vitamin B6 is very much required for many metabolic activities. Pyridoxal phosphate is required in amino acid metabolism from their synthesis to their breakdown. This vitamin also helps in conversion of glycogen into glucose. It has a major role in hemoglobin synthesis, gene expression, histamine synthesis and neurotransmitter synthesis.

Vitamin B6 is needed for synthesis of more than 100 enzymes involved in protein metabolism. Hemoglobin within red blood cells carries oxygen to tissues. Our body needs vitamin B6 to make hemoglobin. Vitamin B6 also helps increase the amount of oxygen carried by hemoglobin. Vitamin B6 deficiency causes vitamin B6 deficiency anemia which is similar to iron deficiency anemia.

It helps in healthy maintenance of lymph glands and helps in the production of white blood cells. Vitamin B6 increases antibody production and increases our immune response. Nutritional supplementation with high dose vitamin B6 and magnesium is claimed to reduce the symptoms of autism. Monitored administration of vitamin B6, in pregnancy is found to reduce nausea and morning sickness.

Deficiency of vitamin B6 causes

The deficiency of this vitamin alone is usually uncommon. It usually occurs in association with deficiency of other vitamins of vitamin B complex. The main causes of vitamin B6 deficiency are poor nutritive quality of food and reduced ability in absorption of nutrients. The elderly people and alcoholics may have the risk of deficiency of this vitamin. Pyroluria is one result of its deficiency. Dermatitis (skin inflammation), ulcers, angular cheilitis, conjunctivitis and neuropathy are some of the symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency.

Vitamin B6 for skin care and skin health

Among the remedies for dermatitis, vitamin B6 is a good for treatment of skin inflammation. Seborrhoeic dermatitis skin inflammation and skin eruptions are clinical signs and symptoms of the deficiency of vitamin B6. Angular cheilitis, deep crack and split in the corners of the mouth, can be caused by vitamin B6 deficiency. Vitamin B6 deficiency causes glossitis, an inflammation of the tongue, causing tongue to swell and change its colour to dark red.

Vitamin B6 deficiency causes skin inflammation(dermatitis)
Vitamin B6 deficiency can cause angular chelitis (split and inflammation of the skin at the corner of the mouth)
Vitamin B6 deficiency also causes dandruff, hair loss, dry and scaly skin with inflammation, acne, psoriasis and eczema. These conditions of skin inflammation are due to causes and effects of vitamin B6 deficiency like reduced oxygen and nutrients supplies to the skin and reduced production of body enzymes for many body functions.

Toxicity of vitamin B6

Excess of this vitamin can cause vitamin B6 toxicity and result in nerve damage. However this condition is reversible when the supplement is stopped. Neuropathy and imbalances in the nervous system's activity have been shown to result as vitamin B6 side effects from high over dose of supplemental vitamin B6.

Food sources of vitamin B6

Good vitamin B6 foods are fortified cereals, potato, banana, bell peppers, mushrooms, mustard greens, asparagus, garlic, cauliflower, cabbage, celery, turnip greens, spinach,tuna, cod and trout. Vitamin B6 food sources include beans, meat, poultry, fish, sunflower seeds, tomato, avocado, whole flour of wheat, walnuts, soybeans, fruits and vegetables. In cooking and in storage the vitamin may be lost to great extent.

Recommended dietary daily allowances of vitamin B6 are as follows

Infants and children

newborn to 12 months: 100 micrograms - 500 micrograms

one year to eight years: 500 micrograms - 600 micrograms

9 years to 13 years: one milligram

Teenagers and adults

14 years to 50 years: males 1.3 milligrams; females 1.2 milligrams

Above 51 years: males 1.7 milligrams; females 1.5 milligrams

pregnant women: 1.9 milligrams

Lactating mothers: 2 milligrams

For related information on skin inflammation (dermatitis), white spots and skin sensitivity read the following posts.

1. Vitamin B1 deficiency causes skin sensitivity
2. Folic acid (vitamin B9) deficiency causes dermatitis( skin inflammation)
3. Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) deficiency causes white spots on the skin

For further skin care tips and information read the following posts.

1. The wonder super food spirulina for skin care
2. The wonder super food olive oil for skin care

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