Can B12 deficiency cause dark circles under eyes?

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2019 study on periorbital hyperpigmentation, low serum vitamin B12 was found in 12% of patients with the condition. This finding points to a direct nutritional link, suggesting that yes, can B12 deficiency cause dark circles under eyes, though it is rarely the sole cause and often coincides with other symptoms.

Quick Summary

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to dark circles by causing anemia, which makes the skin appear pale, and through hyperpigmentation or increased skin darkening. Other factors, including genetics, sleep deprivation, and overall health, also contribute to the issue.

Key Points

Anemia-related Pallor: A B12 deficiency can cause anemia, leading to paler skin and making the underlying blood vessels more visible around the eyes.
Hyperpigmentation: Low B12 levels can cause increased melanin production, leading to actual darkening of the skin, including the periorbital area.
Reversible Symptoms: The skin changes, including hyperpigmentation and anemia-related pallor, are often reversible with proper B12 treatment.
Multifactorial Cause: While B12 deficiency can contribute, dark circles are often caused by a combination of genetics, poor sleep, allergies, and other deficiencies.
Holistic Approach: Treatment involves addressing the underlying deficiency through diet or supplements, as well as optimizing sleep and hydration.

Understanding the Causes of Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes are a common concern with multiple potential causes, and attributing them to a single factor is often inaccurate. While lack of sleep and genetics are well-known culprits, nutritional deficiencies, including that of vitamin B12, have been scientifically linked to their appearance. The delicate skin around the eyes is incredibly thin, making any underlying issues with blood vessels, pigmentation, or tissue health more apparent. This is why deficiencies that affect blood flow or skin health can manifest as noticeable under-eye shadows.

The Mechanisms Connecting B12 Deficiency and Dark Circles

Vitamin B12 deficiency doesn't cause dark circles overnight but contributes to several bodily processes that can result in their gradual appearance. The primary ways this deficiency impacts the skin around the eyes are through anemia and hyperpigmentation.

B12's Role in Preventing Anemia

Vitamin B12 is essential for producing healthy red blood cells. A deficiency leads to a condition called megaloblastic anemia, where the body produces abnormally large, immature red blood cells that cannot function correctly. This causes a drop in hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. With less oxygen-rich blood, the skin can become pale. Since the skin under the eyes is so thin, this pallor makes the underlying blue-purple blood vessels more visible, creating the classic dark shadow effect. When this anemia is treated, many patients report that their dark circles also improve.

The Link to Hyperpigmentation

Beyond anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency has been independently shown to cause cutaneous hyperpigmentation, or skin darkening. This is thought to be related to increased tyrosinase activity, an enzyme involved in melanin synthesis. The hyperpigmentation can be generalized, but it is often most noticeable in areas with thin skin, such as the periorbital region. Fortunately, case studies have shown that this skin darkening is often reversible with appropriate vitamin B12 supplementation.

Other Nutritional Deficiencies Contributing to Dark Circles

It's important to remember that B12 is not the only nutritional factor. A comprehensive approach should consider other vitamins and minerals as well.

Iron: Closely linked with B12, iron deficiency is a very common cause of anemia, leading to the same pale skin effect that makes blood vessels more visible.
Vitamin K: This vitamin is crucial for blood clotting and maintaining healthy capillaries. A deficiency can lead to weakened blood vessels that leak, causing a bruised appearance.
Vitamin C: Essential for collagen production, a lack of vitamin C can lead to thinner, less elastic skin, which increases the visibility of blood vessels underneath.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you suspect a vitamin B12 deficiency, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis. They will likely order blood tests to check your serum B12 levels and may also test for related factors like iron and folate.

Lifestyle and Dietary Improvements

Addressing the deficiency, along with other lifestyle factors, is key to improving dark circles.

A Balanced Diet with B12-Rich Foods:

Meat and Poultry: Excellent sources of naturally occurring B12.
Eggs: Provide a reliable dose of B12.
Milk and Dairy Products: Good sources for those who consume dairy.
Fortified Foods: For vegetarians and vegans, fortified cereals and plant-based milks are a crucial source.

General Lifestyle Tips:

Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can make the skin dull and sunken, worsening dark circles.
Reduce Alcohol and Smoking: These habits negatively impact circulation and skin health.

Comparison Table: Causes of Dark Circles


Cause	How it Creates Dark Circles	Resolution with Treatment	Associated Symptoms
B12 Deficiency	Anemia, making skin pale and blood vessels visible; hyperpigmentation.	Yes, with B12 supplementation and addressing root cause.	Fatigue, neurological issues, glossitis.
Genetics	Inherited skin thinness or pigment disposition.	Limited. Management focuses on cosmetic treatments.	None, often appears from a young age.
Anemia (Iron)	Pale skin and more prominent blood vessels.	Yes, with iron supplements and improved diet.	Fatigue, weakness, cold hands/feet.
Sleep Deprivation	Dull skin and fluid retention, creating shadows.	Rapid improvement with consistent, quality sleep.	Irritability, concentration problems.
Allergies	Inflammation and swelling (allergic shiners) from histamine release.	Yes, with allergy treatment.	Itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion.
Aging	Loss of collagen and fat, thinning skin, and hollowing.	Limited. May require fillers or other procedures.	Fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity.

Conclusion

While many factors contribute to dark circles, the link between can B12 deficiency cause dark circles under eyes is scientifically recognized through its effects on anemia and skin pigmentation. Addressing a vitamin B12 deficiency with dietary changes, supplementation, and treating any underlying conditions can lead to noticeable improvement. However, it is essential to consider the multifactorial nature of dark circles, including genetics, sleep, and lifestyle, and to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. By taking a holistic approach to your health, you can effectively manage and reduce the appearance of these under-eye shadows.

For more detailed information on vitamin B12 deficiency, consult the National Institutes of Health (NIH) information page on Vitamin B12.

Frequently Asked Questions

A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause dark circles in two primary ways: by leading to anemia, which results in pale skin that makes blood vessels more visible, and by increasing skin pigmentation, a known dermatological symptom of low B12.

If your dark circles are caused or worsened by a B12 deficiency, treating the deficiency with supplements and improving your diet can lead to a significant reduction in their appearance. However, if other factors like genetics or lack of sleep are also involved, it may not completely eliminate them.

In addition to dark circles, B12 deficiency can cause fatigue, neurological symptoms like numbness or tingling, memory problems, glossitis (a sore tongue), and changes in mood.

Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products such as meat, eggs, and dairy. Fortified cereals and other fortified foods are also good sources, particularly for vegetarians and vegans.

Yes, it is possible. A B12 deficiency can manifest in various ways, including hyperpigmentation, without the typical hematologic changes associated with anemia. This is why testing for B12 levels is important even if blood counts appear normal.

A healthcare provider will diagnose a B12 deficiency using a blood test to measure serum cobalamin (B12) levels. Further tests, like measuring methylmalonic acid (MMA), may be used to confirm the deficiency in borderline cases.

Other deficiencies that can cause or contribute to dark circles include iron (leading to anemia), vitamin K (affecting blood vessels), and vitamin C (impacting collagen production).