The occurrence of red hair and pale skin in individuals, which is associated wit h UV-radiation sensitivity and increased

skin cancer risk, is mainly due to poly morphisms in the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) expressed in melanocytes. [Roberts DW, Newton RA, Leonard JH et al. Melanocytes expressing MC1R polymorphi sms associated with red hair color have altered MSH-ligand activated pigmentary responses in coculture with keratinocytes. J Cell Physiol. 2008;215(2):344-355.] Although the combination of pale skin and intense sun exposure results in an imp ortant health risk for the individual. Intense sun exposure and pale skin migh t be important risk factor in skin cancer. [Izagirre N, Garca I, Junquera C et al . A scan for signatures of positive selection in candidate loci for skin pigment ation in humans. Mol Biol Evol. 2006;23(9):1697-1706.] Paleness has been defined as an abnormal loss of colour from normal skin/mucous membrane. Pale skin unless accompanied by paleness of lips, tongue, palms of han d, mouth interior and eye lining, is not a serious condition and most of the tim e does not require any treatment. While general paleness affects the entire body and is a matter of concern, local paleness usually affects a single limb. The s kin-type affects the detection of skin paleness. Paleness is difficult to be det ected in dark-skinned person and is sometimes apparent only in the eye and mouth lining. A deficiency of iron results in anemia and is characterized by fatigue, headach es, faintness and pale skin. It is essential that the cofactors vitamin B12, fol ic acid and vitamin C are taken concomittantly/together to ensure optimized abso rption.