Can’t take this b12 induced acne any ... - Pernicious Anaemi...

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Can’t take this b12 induced acne any longer!

marcus12345 profile image
4 Replies

I started to get really painful cystic acne when I started supplementing b12. Essentially never had a pimple prior to supplementation. Now I have cysts all over my face to the point that it hurts to smile or eat. My face has scars and hyper-pigmentation all over.

Dermatologist can’t really help either because the acne treatments have not worked for the past 5 months. My b12 levels have gone up to around 300 so I am done with this. I’d rather try drinking fortified almond milk and other foods with smaller amounts because I have been severely depressed for the past 4 months and really don’t think my mind or body can take this anymore.

Has anyone resolved their acne by stopping b12 supplementation? Or have any similar experiences with this?

Admin note: Poster does not appear to have an absorption problem but is supplementing because of a vegan diet.

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Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator

looked back at your previous post and I'm not really clear why you are supplementing B12 and what doses you are using.

If your supplementation was because you are following a vegan diet but you are using high dose supplements then I'd suggest you switch to a general daily supplement or look at using fortified cereals/foods as a way of ensuring you get B12.

marcus12345 profile image
marcus12345 in reply to Gambit62

I’ve been supplementing once I switched to a vegan diet to be on the safe side but had low levels(230) before the diet change. I tried switching to 500 mcg of b12 every other day but it didn’t help. Just looking for others who have similar experiences or are using fortified foods for b12.

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator in reply to marcus12345

being low in range doesn't necessarily mean you have a problem - most people will be fine at this level. If you weren't symptomatic of B12 deficiency - and from what you describe it doesn't sound as if you are - then there is no need to supplement at the levels you are supplementing which are actually quite high - would suggest you drop the supplements.

As this forum is about people managing conditions that involve problems absorbing B12 from their diet - as opposed to vegans who don't have B12 in their diet - this forum isn't the right place for you to get the answers to your questions. You would be better off looking at a forum specifically aimed at people who have chosen to follow a diet that doesn't include B12.

vegansociety.com/

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator

marcus12345

as this query doesn't really relate to a B12 absorption problem I am going to close it to further responses as strictly speaking it is off topic for the forum.

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