There are many causes of acne, including stress, hormonal imbalance, poor hygiene and dietary factors. A primary dietary factor in causing acne is vitamin deficiency. The main deficiencies that contribute to acne are lack of vitamins A, C, E and B-complex. Although vitamins B-3 and B-5 are more commonly recommended to mitigate acne break-outs, B-6 may be important also as it is involved in so many of the body's processes.
Role of B-6
Vitamin B-6, or pyridoxine, is required for amino acid metabolism and to govern the release of glucose from glycogen. As such, B-6 is considered the primary energy producing vitamin in the body, according to "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Metabolism." It is also necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid within the stomach and food absorption. B-6 can reduce the sensitivity of skin to the effects of testosterone, which in turn helps the acne cycle. It also aids in maintaining electrolyte balance and promotes red blood cell formation. Further, it is required for the synthesis of RNA and DNA, which contain the instructions for the reproduction and growth of all cells, including the epidermis that is affected by acne.
B-6 and Acne
In addition to vitamins A, E, B-3 and B-5, vitamin B-6 has also been touted as a natural remedy to promote clear skin. However, according to "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition," less research exists detailing how B-6 helps reduce acne, and widely conflicting reports regarding its effectiveness have kept it from being commonly recommended for acne. In particular, many studies have shown correlations between acne symptoms and B-6 deficiency, but only some reported acne remission following B-6 supplementation, while others reported increased break-outs after supplementation, even in age groups who were not prone to acne. These conflicting reports prevent many skin-care professionals from endorsing B-6 supplements for acne, especially since it can interfere with B-5 absorption and be toxic in large doses.
Cautions with B6
Vitamin B-6 toxicity cannot occur from eating natural foods, but it can occur from supplementing with its synthetic form, pyridoxine, according to "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition." The recommended daily allowance of B-6 for adults is no more than 2 mg, but toxicity is not thought to occur unless supplementing with at least 100 mg, if not 500 mg daily, for many months. Symptoms of toxicity include nerve irritation, numbness in the hands and feet, muscle spasms, headaches, hypertension, anemia, severe fatigue, depression and paralysis. People with nerve damage from B-6 toxicity may take several months to recover, if at all.
Other Vitamins for Acne
Vitamin A works to strengthen the skin's protective layer and prevents acne formation by reducing sebum production, as cited in "Nutritional Sciences." Vitamin A is also important for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue. Vitamin C is involved in connective tissue growth and repair, directly affecting skin. Vitamin C can also have an antibacterial effect in fighting acne. Vitamin E also plays a role in defending your skin and repairing damaged tissue. Vitamin B-5 deficiency is believed by some to be the root cause of acne. B-5 is needed to produce coenzyme-A, which reduces oil production and prevents sebum from being deposited into the skin.
References
- "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Metabolism"; Carolyn D. Berdanier; 2009
- "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition"; Martha Stipanuk; 2006
- "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition"; George Gropper; 2000
- "Vitamins: Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health"; G. Combs; 2008
- "Nutritional Sciences"; Michelle McGuire; 2007
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