Vitamin and Nutrient Toxicity and Deficiencys Effect on the Skin - Research Paper Example

Among the cause of skin diseases or conditions is toxicity and deficiency of vitamins and nutrients.
Groff et al (1995), state that for proper general health and healthy skin, the human body should contain various micro- and macro-nutrients at their right proportions. However, too much or too little of this affects the general body health and the health of the skin. For example, too many vitamins in the body lead to vitamin poisoning and can result in toxic symptoms. A specific example of this is excessive vitamin A in the body which results in dry and itchy skin accompanied by other symptoms.

A deficiency of vitamin A also results in similar conditions and scaling. However, excessive deficiency may cause deep cracks in the skin and fissures (Combs, 2008). Excessive vitamin B3 results in redness of the skin which is also accompanied by tingling, itching, or mild burning sensation. Flaky, white, and oily lesions on the face, scalp, buttocks, and neck result from a deficiency in vitamin B6 (Combs, 2008). Biotin is also an important micronutrient and its deficiency results in red and scaly skin accompanied by crusting dermatitis which begins around the mouth, eyes, and nose.

Specific nutritional skin disorders associated with toxic levels of vitamin deficiency include pellagra and scurvy. Scurvy is caused by a deficiency in vitamin C, a nutrient required for the production of collagen in human beings. Effects of this on the skin include the formation of sports which are more abundant in the legs and thighs. At the advanced level, the person can experience open suppurating wounds. This condition can be prevented by a diet that contains citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. Others include pawpaw, guava tomatoes, and berries. The only treatment is the use of vitamin C (McKenna and Dawson, 1993).

Pellagra is caused by a deficiency of Niacin, a B vitamin resulting in photosensitive inflammation of the skin. These changes include itchy, painful, and red skin. As time goes on, the skin becomes swollen and blisters develop. When the blisters burst, it results in crusted skin that has brown scales. Eventually, the skin becomes thick and hyper-pigmented. The most commonly affected parts are the backsides of the hand (Combs, 2008). Silica is a micro-nutrient yet very important in the body. Apart from strengthening the body’s connective tissues, it is also very important in the maintenance of healthy skin. A deficiency of this micronutrient results in a lowering of skin elasticity. This means the skin becomes hardened. It also hampers the ability of the body to heal wounds.

According to Groff et al (1995), the body also requires essential fatty acids in the correct amounts. This should be delivered through the diet we take. A failure to do so results in dry and inflamed skin. The skin will also suffer from the frequent appearance of blackheads or whiteheads. Acne is a human skin disease that results in scaly red skin, blackheads and whiteheads, pinheads, and possible scarring. Though acne is not directly caused by nutritional and vitamin imbalance in the body the disease is normally worsened by cow’s milk and a diet with a high glycemic load (James, 2005).

Dermatitis is another skin disease that is not directly caused by toxicity or deficiency of some nutrients. However, its condition can be helped by the intake of some essential vitamins and minerals. This means a severe deficiency f these minerals and vitamins is likely to give room for the worsening of dermatitis. Currently, the news that receives the loudest buzz is about the power of minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients to give human skin a healthy, more radiant look and a more youthful glow. This has led to a lot of excitement about cosmetics like lotions and creams. According to skin experts, this should not only be so.

People should care more about what they put into their bodies. They argue that these vitamins have an integral role in the making of healthy skin complexion whether the source is supplements, food, or even jars of cream (Stipanuk, 2006).
According to McGuire and Beerman (2007), most people normally run for cosmetics like soap lotions, scrubs, and toners whenever they get skin problems. However, these treatments and personal care do not address the root cause of these conditions. This is because most of such conditions are caused by poor nutrition which results in toxicity or deficiency of nutrients and vitamins in the body. The best way, therefore, is to deal with exposure to toxins in diets and poor nutrition. It also means that we should feed and care for our skin from both inside and out.

Conclusion
Healthier foods or nutritional styles mean healthier skin. The skin is a living and most external component of the human body which indicates what is happening inside our bodies. This is because any disorder of the skin is not just a mere reflection of skin suffering but health that is suffering. Physical manifestations of deficiencies Read More