Dear Pooja,
I am suffering from low vitamin B12 levels since I follow a strict vegetarian diet. I had been prescribed medicines twice by doctors in the past since I was suffering from recurring fever due to low B12 levels. Both times I got extreme acne eruptions all over my face, which took almost two years to subside after stopping the medicines. Normally, I have seen that B12 is found in non-vegetarian food items (liver, meat, eggs) or diary products. The problem is that since I am acne prone, I am unable to consume diary products since they cause eruptions. Could you please suggest some plant-based food items that could help increase my B12 levels.

 

Vitamin B12 is necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells, nervous system functions and growth and development in children. Deficiency of this vital vitamin causes lowered immunity, symptoms of fatigue, poor memory, depression, even tingling in your hands and feet. As a vegetarian you don’t have much access to B12 in your diet other than a little from the milk and milk product that you may be consuming. Now milk can sometimes trigger acne eruptions if your body is unable to digest it properly – this leaves you with no dietary source of B12 sadly. I highly doubt that the oral B12 supplements were the cause of the eruptions on your face that you noticed the last two times. B12 is an essential nutrient and if you cannot obtain it from the diet then oral supplement becomes essential. Another option that you could try would be to ask your doctor if he can give your intramuscular injections of the vitamin. When the levels are very low and the immunity is thus affected this route is usually advised. Check with your doctor for the same. Take better care of skin hygiene with a good balanced diet containing ample hydration for improved skin but don’t hesitate in correcting the your vitamin deficiencies. Good luck!