Can your face be pale if you are deficient in something? ?

Question

Well I have very pale light skin. My family was out to dinner with this other family and I heard this old lady telling my mom she was worried about me because my face is so white (I'm a vegetarian, so she is really concerned about me). She thinks my face is pale from being a vegetarian. Then she asks everyone if they think my face looks pale. I'm Irish so I'm naturally like that. Can I be deficient in something, since I'm pale?

Answer 1

I strongly suggest supplementation with iron and/or vitamin B12. A lack in either nutrient can lead to very pale skin (called pallor). Iron is important, among other things, for good skin tone. It's more likely to be low iron levels. Supplementation is the best way to remedy it. It takes a while for your body's iron stores to build up, but persevere.

See a qualified doctor about this to rule out any underlying health issues.

Answer 2

Most likely you are iron deficient. Your mom needs to take you for a checkup and check your iron level!

Answer 3

you may not have enough iron in your body

Answer 4

Iron and/or protein.

She is concerned that being so pale means you may not have "strong blood". as a vegetarian, you may not get enough iron from the foods you are currently eating.

Answer 5

Get enough iron and vitamin B12!

Answer 6

it may be that you are anemic (condition in which there is a lack of blood in your red blood cells, hemoglobin or in total volume -- http://www.m-w.com ), i know cos my mom is. best to go see a hematologist and get a blood test and perhaps several other tests (ultrasound, stool and urine tests) to determine what is causing the anemia. it may just be a simple case of iron deficiency or something more serious, good luck.

Answer 7

yupp iron deficiency..NOT good, tell your doctor and get a blood test to confirm.