Vitamin B12 is a nutrient which helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent a type of anaemia called megaloblastic anaemia which makes people tired and weak. Seeing white spots on your skin is a lesser-known warning symptom that your body is lacking the essential vitamin.
In a study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, cutaneous lesions and vitamin B12 deficiency was analysed.
The study noted: “Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes.
“A diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked in its early stages because these signs are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency alone.
“In patients with vitamin B12 deficiency, the following skin lesions are reported: skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, hair changes, and recurrent angular stomatitis.
“Hyperpigmentation of the extremities—especially over the dorsum of the hands and feet, with accentuation over the interphalangeal joints and terminal phalanges—associated with pigmentation of oral mucosa is characteristic of vitamin B12 deficiency.”
Other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency is a sore and red tongue, mouth ulcers, and pins and needles.
It can also lead to disturbed vision, irritability, depression, and a decline in mental abilities.
Symptoms of B12 deficiency can usually be easily treated by upping your intake of the vitamin.
This can be done by taking vitamin B12 tablets, eating more foods containing B12, or having injections of the vitamin.
Treatment usually depends on what has caused vitamin B12 deficiency to develop.
If a person notices these pale patches on their skin, it’s advised to speak with your GP about testing your vitamin levels.