A new research has suggested that increased intake of vitamin B12 can lead to acne problem in some people. But the research published in Science Translational Medicine said that people need not to reduce their vitamin B12 intake from food or vitamins.

Study’s lead researcher Huiying Li, assistant professor of molecular & medical pharmacology at the University of California, Los Angeles, said that more research is needed in the matter. The current research has provided information on vitamin B12 and genetic activity that could cause pimples.

“There are certain genes that could potentially influence whether people have acne breakouts or not. These genes could be targets of future drug treatment”, said Li.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause many health problems. It can cause anemia, digestive problems and neurological problems. The vitamin can be derived from animal products like dairy and shellfish.

In order to not have shortage of it, vegetarians are suggested to take supplements. The researchers have found signs that vitamin B12 led to acne by disrupting a type of skin bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes.

The researchers then conducted an experiment in which they analyzed 10 people with clear skin who were asked to start having vitamin B12 supplements. Extra dose of vitamins had an effect on the way genes in skin bacteria processed the vitamin. One of the participants faced acne problem.

Researchers said that there is an evidence that vitamin B12 can affect the activity of skin bacteria. But researchers said that many questions remain unanswered.