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Do Low Vitamin B12 Levels Have An Effect On Scalp Psoriasis?

Posted on Mon, 20 Feb 2017

Question: Hi Doctors,

I have low vitamin B12. When i checked it 6 months back, it was 147 pg/ml. In the report normal range is mentioned as 211-911 pg/ml. I am vegetarian and has minor psoriasis on my scalp.

Can you please tell whether low vitamin b12 affects psoriasis? Does it also affects hair growth?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Vitamin B12 is essential for cell division.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Vitamin B12 is found primarily in animal sources. The only reliable vegan sources of B12 are foods fortified with B12 (including some plant milks, some soy products and some breakfast cereals) and B12 supplements. Vitamin B12, whether in supplements, fortified foods, or animal products, comes from micro-organisms.

Lack of adequate Vitamin B12 does affect psoriasis. It is essential for rapidly dividing cells and that includes the hair follicles. Hence, Vitamin B12 affects hair growth as well.

Feel free to write back.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (14 hours later)

Could you please suggest best treatment?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Vitamin B12 supplementation needs to be done.

Detailed Answer:
The best treatment is Vitamin B12 supplementation. There is no other way out. You can take Cap. Hicobal (Methylcobalamine) 1500 mcg once daily.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 minute later)

For haw many days I will need to take this supplement? What improvements I can see in my body after taking the supplements?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Regular intake is essential

Detailed Answer:
I would suggest you to take it for a month initially and then see if that makes a difference in the vitamin b12 levels. It is hard to comment whether that would bring a clinical difference but as of now you are starved of its basic requirements. Your question is like 'what improvement can I expect if I eat my food properly?'

It is essential to take Vitamin B12 in regular diet and that only comes primarily from animal sources. The only reliable vegan sources of B12 are foods fortified with B12 (including some plant milks, some soy products and some breakfast cereals) and B12 supplements. Vitamin B12, whether in supplements, fortified foods, or animal products, comes from micro-organisms.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 minute later)

Thanks a lot for your very quick response. I'll do as suggested.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Glad to be of service

Detailed Answer:
Feel free to write back in case of further queries.

Regards

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar