Vitamin B-12 linked with acne, researchers say

Acne is a teenage nightmare, but it's a condition that can affect millions of adults as well. A new report suggests one risk factor that might increase the chances of getting it: vitamin B-12.

UCLA researchers peered into the population of microbes inhabiting the skin of those with acne as well as those without. They found that vitamin B-12 tends to change the microenvironment of the skin in a way that favors acne bacteria.

Then, in a small follow-up study, they gave 10 subjects a shot of vitamin B-12 - enough to last for weeks - and then checked back in with those participants one week later. They found that one of the participants, who had been acne-free initially, had developed the condition.

Of course, there are many things that can lead to acne - diet, hygiene and even stress. So for most of us, vitamin B-12 may not be a big concern.

But what this study does suggest is that if you happen to have acne, it might be best to lay off that B-12 and see what happens.