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The Study

Reversible hyperpigmentation of skin and nails with white hair due to vitamin B12 deficiency.

In simple terms

This study is like noticing that one person’s skin got darker and their hair turned gray, then after they took a vitamin pill, it went back to normal. It doesn’t prove the vitamin fixed it — maybe something else helped. We just know it happened in one person.

20%

Analysis score

20/ 30

Maximum 30 for a case report.

Where the score came from

Reporting0
Methodology0
Publication100
Statistical0
Study type (basis of the score)
Case Report
Level 4 - Case series
What’s the bottom line?

A man had gray hair and dark skin/nails because his body couldn't absorb vitamin B12. After getting B12 shots, his hair turned back to its original color and his skin/nails returned to normal.

Where does this study sit?

Systematic Reviews & Meta-analyses

Max 100

Randomized Trials

Max 90

Cohort Studies

Max 72

Case-Control

Max 58

Cross-Sectional

Max 44

Case Reports & Series

Max 30

Expert Opinion

Max 5
StrongerWeaker
Case Reports & Series
Level 4
20

20 / 100

Quality score

Detailed descriptions of individual patients or small groups. Valuable for identifying new conditions or side effects, but cannot establish generalizable conclusions.

Cannot establish causation

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Key takeaways

Summary

Based on the study abstract and findings.

  1. 1Yes — for rare cases of B12 deficiency, hair color and skin tone can return to normal with treatment.
  2. 2One patient: gray hair and dark skin/nails improved after B12 shots.

Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data

Publication

Journal

Archives of dermatology

Year

1986

Authors

N. Noppakun, D. Swasdikul

69 citations
Analysis v3
Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health studies into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.