Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes Pale Skin: When your skin turns pale, it is natural to get tensed, this can happen due to many reasons, but vitamin B12 deficiency can also be a big factor. B12 is an important nutrient for our body. It plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells, the function of the nervous system and DNA synthesis. Its deficiency can cause many problems in the body, including skin related changes. It is often seen that due to vitamin B12 deficiency, the skin starts looking pale or colorless. Let us know what is the real reason behind this.

Anemia and pale skin

The most important and direct relationship of vitamin B12 deficiency is anemia, especially megaloblastic anemia. When there is a vitamin B12 deficiency in the body, the bone marrow is unable to produce a good number of healthy RBCs. Instead, it produces large and abnormal red blood cells that cannot function properly. These cells are small and cannot carry oxygen from one place to another as well as healthy cells can.

Red blood cells are rich in a protein called hemoglobin, which gives blood its red color. When there is a lack of healthy RBCs in the body, blood flow to the skin decreases, causing the skin to look pale or colorless. This paleness can often be clearly seen on the face, whites of the eyes, and lips.

Effect on melanin production

Some research has also shown that vitamin B12 deficiency can affect melanin production. Melanin is the pigment that gives colour to our skin, hair and eyes. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause disturbances in the functioning of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, which can lead to hyperpigmentation i.e. dark spots or patches on the skin. This problem is often seen more on the neck, elbows and knees. At the same time, in some cases the skin colour can also be uneven.

What other effects does it have on skin health?

Apart from anemia and affecting melanin production, vitamin B12 deficiency can also affect the skin in several other ways, such as

1. Dry and dull skin: Vitamin B12 helps in making and repairing skin cells. Its deficiency can cause the skin to look dry, rough and dull.

2. Itching: Itching problem can also occur due to dryness of skin and poor health.

3. Delayed healing of wounds: Vitamin B12 also plays an important role in tissue repair. Its deficiency can cause wounds or injuries to take longer to heal.

4. Mouth ulcers and glossitis: Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause symptoms in the inside of the mouth, such as swelling in the tongue (glossitis) and mouth ulcers.