Vitamin B12 and Atopic Dermatitis: Any Therapeutic Relevance For Oral Supplementation?

Abstract

In vitro experimental studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory potential of vitamin B 12. Nevertheless, few studies have explored so far the relevance of topical products containing vitamin B12 as a treatment option for atopic dermatitis, and the association between blood levels of Vitamin B12 and the severity of atopic dermatitis has never been investigated. Thus the effect of Vitamin B12 oral supplementation in atopic dermatitis is unknown. We describe the case of a 18 years old boy affected by severe refractory atopic dermatitis requiring continuous topical steroid therapy and 5-6 oral steroid trials per year to achieve satisfactory control. During a three years follow-up, an association between Vitamin B12 blood levels and atopic dermatitis severity was detected, as well as a clinically significant SCORAD improvement following Vitamin B12 oral supplementation. Although the cause-effect relationship between Vitamin B12 deficiency and AD severity or relapse needs to be confirmed in larger studies, our case report suggests that Vitamin B12 levels deserve to be assessed in patients with difficult to control atopic dermatitis and points out the potential therapeutic relevance of Vitamin B12 oral supplementation.

Keywords:

• atopic dermatitis
• SCORAD
• vitamin B12

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Davide Chesini, MS

Davide Chesini, MS, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Verona, Italy. His scientific interests include the relationship between nutrients and the immune system.

Marco Caminati, MD

Marco Caminati, MD, Allergy and Clinical Immunology specialist. Assistant Professor at University of Verona, Italy, Department of Medicine. He authored more than 100 papers, published in peer-reviewed journals. Most of his scientific production focuses on respiratory and skin immunological and allergic diseases. He is involved as a member of task forces and scientific committees of International Academies in the field (World Allergy Organization, European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology).