We have previously looked at the connection between vitamin D deficiency and seborrheic dermatitis. Today we’ll talk about another important vitamin and its impact on SD. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a complex molecule with an atom of cobalt at its center. In our body’s cells, vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the synthesis of DNA and, thus, is essential for the health of blood and bone marrow.
Scientific evidence
Unfortunately, very few scientific studies exist on the impact of vitamin B12 on seborrheic dermatitis. One study1 has investigated the treatment of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis with regular doses of vitamin B12:
Vitamin B complex in various forms has been used as an adjunct in the treatment of both psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. About three years ago, again with use of sunlight, crude coal tar (a modified ambulatory Goeckermann routine), with vitamin B12 capsules (25 microgram), a low-fat, and pork-free diet, improved results were attained, but slowly, with some lack of cooperation on the part of the patient.
The same study also shows that the results can be significantly improved by intramuscular administration and a higher dose of vitamin B12:
It was found early in the treatment that a 1,000 microgram dose given intramuscularly daily for 10 days consecutively, followed by a maintenance dose, gave best results, and in severe cases daily doses were carried on for 15 to 20 days or longer, consecutively. In some refractory cases, no results were noted until 20 or more injections were given. Experience will eventually point out the best routine. No reactions, local or general, were encountered, but marked improvement as to well-being, with more zest to carry on, was observed by all the patients.
There were 34 patients—14 male, 20 female—ranging from 21 to 68 years of age. The duration of the disease varied from 7 months to 38 years.
– 11 patients eruption involuted
– 10 patients improved 75 to 80%
– 6 patients slowly improving; treatment continuing
– 2 patients no results (women) – not cooperative – one weighed 280 lb (127 kg), the other 220 lb (99.8 kg)
– 5 patients slight recurrence; treatment stopped too soon; resumed with good results[…]
Treatment with high doses of vitamin B12 (1,000 microgram per cubic centimeter, intramuscularly) has surpassed all previous methods in rapidity of results; lack of reactions, ease of administration, stimulating cooperation, and bolstering the well-being of the patient. The rapid response (under vitamin B12 injections) of patients with long-standing recalcitrant psoriasis would be difficult to attribute to spontaneous involution.
The results are too constant to deny some therapeutic value in vitamin B12 injections, and wholesale clinical trials are indicated.[…]
Seborrheic dermatitis is under investigation, and indications point to similar response. Maintenance doses of one or two injections a week is carried on in some patients at present.
In another study2, injections of vitamin B12 were reported to improve seborrheic dermatitis in 86% of adults in a preliminary trial. Oral administration of vitamin B12 for seborrheic dermatitis has not been investigated in this study.
Forms of B12 and recommended doses
In case you want to start with Vitamin B12 supplementation, it is important to be aware about the existing types and recommended doses of this supplement.
Vitamin B12 is sold without prescription in three different preparations: cyanocobalamin, hydroxycobalamin, and methylcobalamin. Cyanocobalamin is generally the most inexpensive and most commonly consumed form. However, this form of B12 releases a small amount of a toxic molecule, cyanide, as it is metabolized. Both the cyanocobalamin and hydroxycobalamin forms of B12 require activation by the MTHFR enzymes in our cells to transform them into the active form of B12, methylcobalamin. This chemical step is difficult for some people (10% – 15% of population) who have the homozygous MTHFR mutation.
Since methylcobalamin is the active form of B12, and is readily available for cells to use, this is the best option for vitamin B12 supplementation. The recommended dose is 1000 – 2500 microgram, twice weekly. Many doctors (for example Dr. Michael Klaper) favor B12 supplements in the form of liquid drops or sublingual “microdots” that melt under your tongue because they allow contact of the B12 with a protein in saliva that promotes better absorption into the bloodstream. Here are examples of such products:
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) Liquid Drops:
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) Sublingual “Microdots”:
- 1.RUEDEMANN R. TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS WITH LARGE DOSES OF VITAMIN B12 1,100 MICROGRAMS PER CUBIC CENTIMETER. AMA Arch Derm Syphilol. Published online June 1, 1954:738. doi:10.1001/archderm.1954.01540180088013
- 2.ANDREWS G, POST C, DOMONKOS A. Seborrheic dermatitis; supplemental treatment with vitamin B12. N Y State J Med. 1950;50(16):1921-1925. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15439623
2 Comments
Ali
Methyl-cobalamin & Adenosyl-cobalamin are the two active forms for use at cellular level. Hydroxy-cobalamin is a natural form that has to be converted to the active forms. Cyano-cobalamin is a synthetic form. Some people are unable to convert these latter two to the active forms so may find taking both active forms, especially in sublingual drops/liquid form more beneficial.
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