It is a skin condition that affects millions of people of all ages around the world, but scientists in the US are claiming to have finally found the root cause of acne.

 

Experts at the California University recently carried out groundbreaking research into the skin condition, and believe that it may be triggered by something as simple as a vitamin.

 

The study showed that vitamin B12, commonly found in dairy, meat and fish, speeds up the activity of Propionibacterium acnes; the bacteria which causes acne to develop.

 

While medical experts had previously linked acne flare-ups with consumption of vitamin tablets, this is the first time that the exact reason for these breakouts has been explained.

 

According to the study, vitamin B12 alters the metabolic activity of the Propionibacterium acnes, which causes the bacteria to secret a certain inflammatory compound; it is this compound which triggers an acne breakout.

 

 

While the study results may seem straightforward, the experts added that each case is different, because some people are more vulnerable to a reaction than others.

 

Commenting on what is being hailed as a breakthrough discovery, the team of experts behind the study said that they are hoping to be able to develop new medications to treat the skin condition.

 

“Follow-up studies may potentially lead to the development of new therapeutics for this medically important disease,” they said.

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