Showing posts with label deficiency. Show all posts
Showing posts with label deficiency. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 18

Zinc for hair growth - Zinc deficiency hair loss

  ›     ›   Zinc for hair growth - Zinc deficiency hair loss.
Zinc is an essential micronutrient, having important functions in biochemical processes in the body. Zinc is essential for protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, cellular functions and several enzymatic processes.
zinc deficiency disorders, either acquired or congenital, manifest with common symptoms such as hair loss and dermatitis. Several research studies have proved that zinc deficiency affects the healthy growth and function of skin and its appendages such as hair, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, fingernails and toenails.

Zinc deficiency causes

The primary cause of deficiency is insufficient levels of the mineral in the diet. Another cause is inefficient uptake from the food, though the food may contain sufficient amounts of the mineral. Other causes are, genetic factors, malabsorption syndromes and increased gastrointestinal and urinary losses. Chronic liver disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic renal disease, Crohn’s disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, short bowel syndrome, cancer, other chronic illnesses, gastrointestinal surgery and chronic diarrhea may also cause deficiency of the mineral.
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Certain medications, minerals and chemicals may interact and affect its absorption and utilization. Quinolone antibiotics and tetracycline antibiotics affect the absorption of zinc in the intestine and thiazide diuretics increase its urinary excretory loss. High doses of iron and copper can affect the absorption of this mineral from the intestine.

Acrodermatitis enteropathica (Brandt syndrome or Danbolt–Closs syndrome) is a congenital metabolic disorder affecting the uptake of zinc. It is characterized by skin inflammation around the natural orifices and extremities, loss of hair and diarrhea.

Research on zinc deficiency hair loss

In a study carried out by Min Seong Kil et al. at Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital (Seoul, Korea), 312 patients with main complaint of alopecia were enrolled for the study "Analysis of Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Hair Loss". The blood samples were analyzed for serum zinc and copper concentrations. The results revealed that, in hair loss patients, the serum zinc concentration was significantly lower than that of the control group, but the serum copper concentration was not significantly different.

Min Seong Kil et al. observed that "zinc-related metalloenzymes may have the potential to regulate hair growth. Zinc is a component of zinc finger motifs for many transcription factors, which regulate hair growth through hedgehog signaling, and is a catagen inhibitor via its inhibitory action on apoptosis-related endonucleases." They concluded that the mineral metabolism disturbances play a key role in hair loss, especially alopecia areata and telogen effluvium loss.

How zinc deficiency affects hair

Among the important functions of the mineral in the human body, the regulating of follicle cycling, inhibiting follicle regression and accelerating follicle recovery are noteworthy. Paus et al.20 reported that zinc has a potent dose-dependent immunomodulatory effect on the follicles. It is also a potent inhibitor of follicle regression and accelerates follicle recovery.

Even transient zinc deficiency is known to have an effect on the follicle function. The cellular processes like protein synthesis, cell division, cell repair, enzymatic reaction, utilization of vitamins are directly affected by the deficiency of zinc. Its deficiency weakens the structural integrity of the follicles. The deficiency the micronutrient leads to disturbances in the follicle cycling and anagen phase and also premature advancement of resting telogen phase. With retardation of anagen phase, the fresh supply of new hair strands is affected leading to more follicles in resting phase. The end effect is thinning of strands and apparent excessive loss.

Zinc deficiency can cause subclinical hypothyroidism which is known to cause hair loss. Ambooken Betsy et al. in their study 'Zinc Deficiency Associated with Hypothyroidism: An Overlooked Cause of Severe Alopecia' reported that "Hypothyroidism is a common and well recognized cause of diffuse hair loss". They added that "The hair loss attributed to hypothyroidism may not improve with thyroxine unless zinc supplements are added."

Correcting zinc deficiency

Oysters, red meat, poultry, whole grains, dairy products, fortified cereals, beans, chickpeas and nuts are good sources. Supplements may be taken under the advice of the health care provider to correct the deficiency. Overdose of zinc can cause acute adverse effects and deficiency of other micronutrients. Patients with hereditary haemochromatosis may accumulate the mineral in their body. Very high doses of zinc are reported to inhibit both the anagen and catagen stages of hair growth.
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Reference:
1.Ambooken Betsy, MP Binitha, and S Sarita. Zinc Deficiency Associated with Hypothyroidism: An Overlooked Cause of Severe Alopecia. Int J Trichology. 2013 Jan-Mar; 5(1): 40–42.
2.The Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health.
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
3.Min Seong Kil, Chul Woo Kim, Sang Seok Kim. Analysis of Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Hair Loss. Ann Dermatol. 2013 Nov; 25(4): 405–409.
4.Karashima T, Tsuruta D, Hamada T, Ono F, Ishii N, Abe T, Ohyama B, Nakama T, Dainichi T, Hashimoto T. Oral zinc therapy for zinc deficiency-related telogen effluvium. Dermatol Ther. 2012 Mar-Apr;25(2):210-3.
5.Paus R, Christoph T, Müller-Röver S. Immunology of the hair follicle: a short journey into terra incognita. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 1999 Dec;4(3):226-34
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Current topic in natural skin care: Zinc deficiency hair loss.

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Wednesday, March 11

Iron for hair growth - Iron deficiency hair loss

  ›     ›   Iron for hair growth - Iron deficiency hair loss.
Iron (Fe) deficiency affects hair growth, and chronic lack of iron in the diet can lead to hair loss. Nutritional deficiencies of vitamins as well as that of minerals such as, zinc, copper and iron are associated with hair loss.
For finding a solution to this common problem, the main focus must be to investigate the nutritional shortcomings. The cardinal point to be borne in mind is that healthy balanced food leads to healthy body.

In the human body, the total iron is about 3.8 grams in men and 2.3 grams in women. It is present in all cells of the human body, including hair follicles and red blood cells. Unlike minerals such as calcium, sodium and magnesium, the iron in the blood plasma is not in a free ionic form and is bound tightly to the protein transferrin. Free iron is toxic to cells as it catalyzes in the formation of free radicals. Iron is a key component of cytochrome in cells, which are primarily responsible for the generation of ATP via electron transport and catalyze several redox reactions. Iron is also stored in the cells as ferritin.
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Iron is the key component of protein hemoglobin present in the red blood cells. It facilitates oxygen absorption in the lungs and oxygen transport to cells. Sufficient oxygen supply is necessary for keeping the follicles healthy and any deficiency in oxygen supply can induce telogen effluvium. Myoglobin is an iron containing protein found in the muscles. It has the property of binding to oxygen and functions in oxygen storage. Fe is also important for removing carbon dioxide generated in the tissues during oxidation of glucose and transporting it to lungs for exhalation.

Iron deficiency and hair loss

Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in the world. Iron deficiency anemia is very common among women of childbearing age. Iron deficiency in the body leads to decrease in hemoglobin, myoglobin and ferritin stores. It causes deprivation of sufficient oxygen to the body tissues and muscles and manifest as symptoms like tiredness, fatigue, dizziness, pallor, hair loss, irritability and inability to concentrate.

Causes of deficiency

Many conditions lead to deficiency of this mineral in the body. Both insufficient intake as well as depletion and loss from the body lead to anemia.
  • The foremost reason for the mineral deficiency is insufficient intake through food.
  • Protein-energy malnutrition, malnutrition, starvation, anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders can give rise to various health problems, including iron deficiency and hair loss.
  • Excessive menstrual bleeding in women is the major cause of iron depletion from the body.
  • Chronic bleeding wounds, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, bleeding piles, bleeding gastric ulcers and bleeding colonic cancer are some of the conditions causing the deficiency.
  • Malabsorption syndromes like inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease can hamper absorption of the mineral as well as cause its depletion by bleeding.
  • Surprisingly, athletes can become anemic due to mechanical hemolysis, destruction of red blood cells from physical impact, especially among long distance runners. They may also suffer loss of iron through sweat, urine and intestines.

Ferritin (iron store) and hair loss

Ferritin is an intracellular protein that stores iron and controls its release. It acts as a buffer in case of Fe deficiency or overload. Though most of the ferritin is stored in the cells, small amounts are released into the blood plasma as an Fe carrier. The serum ferritin level correlates with total body iron stores. However, in case of infection or chronic inflammation the serum ferritin levels get elevated and do not correlates with total body Fe stores.

Moeinvaziri M et al in their study, 'Iron status in diffuse telogen hair loss among women', concluded that, "In women without systemic inflammation or other underlying disorders, serum ferritin levels below or equal to 30 ng/mL are strongly associated with telogen loss."

The normal range of serum ferritin for men is between 12-300 ng/ml and for women is 12-150 ng/ml. However the optimum level is 70 ng/ml and above. It is to be noted that a person may have normal hemoglobin levels and may not show any anemia symptoms. However, he may be having latent iron deficiency (LID). In such situations the ferritin analysis will show low levels.

Correcting iron deficiency hair loss

In most of the cases of deficiency, taking food rich in the mineral and also taking supplements under the advice of a doctor may resolve iron deficiency induced hair loss. Heme iron is the most readily absorbed form and clam, red meat, kidney, liver, spleen, poultry and fish are rich sources. Green leafy vegetables, soybeans, lentils, legumes and dry fruits are rich non-heme sources. Oxalates, phytic acid and tannin present in plant foods bind to iron in the gut to form insoluble complexes, reducing the bioavailability.

Oral supplements such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or amino acid chelate tablets are prescribed to treat anemia. To treat chronic anemia, physician may recommend blood transfusion.
The supplements must be taken only under a doctor's guidance. Iron overdose can have serious health consequences.
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Reference:
1.Rushton DH. Nutritional factors and hair loss. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002 Jul;27(5):396-404.
2.Trost LB, Bergfeld WF, Calogeras E. The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006 May;54(5):824-44.
3.Moeinvaziri M, Mansoori P, Holakooee K, Safaee Naraghi Z, Abbasi A. Iron status in diffuse telogen hair loss among women. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2009;17(4):279-84.
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Friday, February 20

Iodine deficiency hair loss

  ›     ›   Iodine deficiency hair loss.
Does iodine deficiency cause hair loss?
Yes! Iodine deficiency causes hair loss. Iodine is an essential trace element.
Iodine is necessary for the body's growth and development. Iodine dietary insufficiency can affect several biochemical functions of the body including thyroid hormone production. Iodine deficiency can affect the proper functioning of several organs, including skin and hair follicles.

Iodine is important for the functioning of the thyroid glands. Thyroid hormones contain iodine and its deficiency can lead to insufficient hormone production and hypothyroidism (goiter). Hypothyroidism can lead to slow down in heart rate, dry skin, hair loss, dry hair, weakness, fatigue, depression, loss of memory and mental retardation. The extreme manifestation of the deficiency of the mineral is steep decline and loss in IQ and cretinism.

Marine products, including fish, kelp, seaweeds and shellfish are rich natural food sources. However people living far away from the coast tend to take low amounts of seafoods and develop insufficiency of the mineral in their system.
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The insufficiency of this trace mineral is taken care of in several countries by compulsory iodization of the common table salt. The amount added to common salt is just to stave off hypothyroidism. Apart from thyroid glands, iodine is present in high concentrations in breast tissue, stomach lining cells, ovaries, prostate glands and oral mucosa. Any insufficiency will adversely affect the health of these tissues.

There is loss of considerable amounts of the mineral in storage due to heat and moisture. The increasing use of toxic halides like bromides, chlorides, perchlorate and fluorides reduces the natural availability of iodine as well as its utilization in the body.

Several studies on animals have demonstrated that the deficiency of the mineral can lead to poor growth of coat as well as hair loss. Potter BJ et al had reported that, "samples of wool removed from selected areas of the sheep showed that the iodine-deficient diet also caused a reduction in the growth of wool." Sheep grazing on lands poor in this mineral found to suffer loss in hair growth.

According to World Health Organization, "Iodine deficiency is the world’s most prevalent, yet easily preventable, cause of brain damage". "Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), which can start before birth, jeopardize children’s mental health and often their very survival." World Health Organization has also related its deficiency to adverse consequences for human infertility.

The US Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for iodine is 150-290 micrograms (mcg) for adults and the tolerable upper limit is 1,100 mcg. Too much of the mineral can lead to hyperthyroidism causing several adverse effects.
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Reference:
1.Hollowell JG, Staehling NW, Hannon WH, et al. (1998) Iodine nutrition in the United States. Trends and public health implications: iodine excretion data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys I and III (1971-1974 and 1988-1994). J Clin Endocrinol Metab 83: 3401-3408.
2.Venturi S, Guidi A, Venturi M (1996). "[Extrathyroid iodine deficiency disorders: what is the real iodine requirement?]". Le Basi Razionali della Terapia 16: 267–275.
3.Thappa D M, Vijayikumar M. Alopecia areata. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2001;67:188.
4.Potter BJ, Jones GB, Buckley RA, Belling GB, McIntosh GH, Hetzel BS. Production of severe iodine deficiency in sheep using a prepared low-iodine diet. Aust J Biol Sci. 1980 Mar;33(1):53-61.
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Current topic in natural skin care: Iodine deficiency hair loss.

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Saturday, January 24

Vitamin D deficiency and hair loss

  ›     ›     ›   Vitamin D deficiency and hair loss.
Can vitamin d deficiency cause hair loss?
Yes! Vitamin D deficiency can cause hair loss. Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss from the head or body.
Hair loss may have many causes including, nutritional deficiency, androgenic hormonal effects, infections, side effect of medications, trauma, sudden onset of telogen effluvium, rapid weight loss, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Certain health conditions like, postpartum effluvium, alopecia areata, lupus erythematosus, inflammatory diseases and diabetes can also cause hair loss. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as asthma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, Crohn's disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis and alopecia areata.

The role of calcitriol

The biologically active form of vitamin D is known as calcitriol, which circulates as a hormone in the blood. The calcitriol hormone activates the calcitriol receptor (NR1I1). The calcitriol receptor plays an important role in regulating the hair cycle. The insufficiency of calcitriol can disturb and affect the hair cycle.

Vitamin D in the form of cholecalciferol is available in fish and fish oil, milk, fortified fruit juices and cereals. The human skin can synthesize this nutrient in the form of cholecalciferol with the help of sunlight. Lack of exposure to the sunlight or living in higher latitudes can cause vitamin D deficiency and related hair problems. At the sametime it is to be noted that megadoses of this nutrient can be toxic for the body.

Vitamin D deficiency and hair loss - Research evidence

There is compelling research evidence linking deficiency of calcitriol to hair fall. The very common form of autoimmune hair hypotrichosis, alopecia areata, as well as telogen effluvium or female pattern hair loss have been associated with vitamin D deficiency.

Mahmud Mahamid et al studied the possible association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and alopecia areata ( autoimmune hair loss). They have published their research report in the Israel Medical Association Journal (June 2014). The pathogenesis of AA is considered to be autoimmune and inflammatory.
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In their clinical studies they followed up 23 patients with alopecia areata (AA) as well as a control group matched for age and gender. They collected blood samples and tested blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of the group. The C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, is released by the liver in response to inflammation.

They found that the patients with hair loss had significantly higher values for CRP than the control group. Further the AA group had deficiency in 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels (less than 30 ng/ml) lower than the control group. They concluded that,
We found a significant correlation between AA and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can be a significant risk factor for AA occurrence.
Rasheed H et al in their study published in Skin pharmacology and physiology (2013), have reported that deficiency in serum ferritin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels can causes chronic telogen effluvium (TE) or female pattern hair loss (FPHL). They concluded that,
Low serum ferritin and vitamin D2 are associated with hair loss in females with TE and FPHL. Screening to establish these levels in cases of hair loss and supplementing with them when there is deficiency may be beneficial in the treatment of disease.
Aksu Cerman A et al reporting in British Journal of Dermatology (June, 2014) concluded that screening patients with alopecia areata hair loss for 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency seems to be of value for the possibility of supplementing these patients with vitamin D.
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Reference:
1.Aksu Cerman A, Sarikaya Solak S, Kivanc Altunay I. Vitamin D deficiency in alopecia areata. Br J Dermatol. 2014 Jun;170(6):1299-304.
2.Rasheed H, Mahgoub D, Hegazy R, El-Komy M, Abdel Hay R, Hamid MA, Hamdy E. Serum ferritin and vitamin d in female hair loss: do they play a role? Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2013;26(2):101-7.
3.Roberto d’Ovidio, Margherita Vessio, Francesco Domenico d’Ovidio. Reduced level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in chronic/relapsing Alopecia Areata. Dermatoendocrinol. Apr 1, 2013; 5(2): 271–273.
4.Mahamid M, Abu-Elhija O, Samamra M, Mahamid A, Nseir W. Association between vitamin D levels and alopecia areata. Isr Med Assoc J. 2014 Jun;16(6):367-70.
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Current topic in natural skin care: Does vitamin D deficiency cause hair loss.

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Sunday, September 20

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
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.

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Sunday, September 6

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
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

Get glowing skin complexion. Remove acne scars and blemishes from face.
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Thursday, September 3

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 caused skin inflammation (dermatitis)
Vitamin B6 deficiency causes skin inflammation(dermatitis)

angular chelitis
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

Get glowing skin complexion. Remove acne scars and blemishes from face.
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Disclaimer: This blog is for information only. Consult medical expert for treatment of diseases.