Vitamins contribute to metabolic processes throughout the body. A lack of them can manifest as a deficiency, but in many cases, it manifests through changes in the skin and mucous membranes. The following are examples of the links between vitamins and the skin and mucous membranes.Vitamin AIf you lack vitamin A, you will become dehydrated more easily. It is believed that the reason for this is that the functioning of sweat glands and the skin is reduced, leading to reduced sebum production and incomplete keratinization that reduces the moisture-retaining function of keratin. It also increases the occurrence of bacterial infections of the skin, harming the condition of the skin and mucous membranes as a result.Vitamin B2Vitamin B2 strengthens blood vessels throughout the body, especially capillaries in the skin, and improves blood circulation. It is well-known that having a deficiency causes inflammation of the lips and corners of the mouth. Vitamin B2 deficiency causes capillaries to dilate, which increases transparency to sunlight, raising sensitivity to external stimuli and causing extreme sensitivity to sunlight.Vitamin B6If you lack vitamin B6, skin conditions such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and inflammation of the tongue and corners of the mouth can appear, so it is believed to be a necessary vitamin for skin.
However, much remains unclear about the mechanism which causes these clinical symptoms to appear.NiacinIf you lack niacin, a type of skin inflammation called pellagra can develop. There are many aspects of the mechanism by which pellagra develops that remain unclear, but it is believed to be caused by a hypersensitive reaction to sunlight by the skin.Vitamin CVitamin C is required for the creation of collagen, which accounts for one-third of the proteins in the body.
Collagen is the main component of the connective tissue that joins cells together, and it gives shape to tissues and organs, including skin. Accordingly, a lack of it presents as scurvy, which results in bleeding from the skin and mucous membranes.
For foods with nutrient function claims, the nutrients which in Japan are permitted to be labeled “This nutrient helps maintain the health of skin and mucous membranes” are vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamins B1, B2, and B6; vitamin C, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, and zinc.