The Best Vitamins for Eczema
Eczema is a type of skin disorder that can be very frustrating as well as uncomfortable, however, there are all-natural supplements for eczema offered. This article will review some vitamins that can help in eczema relief omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and more.
Which are the Best Vitamins for Eczema?
There is more research required to produce definitive evidence that supplements can help with eczema symptoms. However, we believe supplements are a vital part of your Eczema Management Plan. Many supplements may help you in your battle against eczema symptoms.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fats, and this good fat is best for healthy skin. As claimed, they own anti-inflammatory assets that could lessen the irritation of eczema. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, are good sources of omega-3s If you do not get enough dietary omega-3s and have eczema, try supplementing with fish oil to reduce your symptoms. Nutritional supplements lower inflammatory mediators levels, ultimately eliminating or reducing the severity of eczema. 2012 study (see Reference 1) also confirmed these benefits—Omega-3s were the most effective supplement in reducing eczema symptoms.
Interestingly, a study in 2017 (Reference 2) found that expectant mothers who consume Omega-3 supplements were less likely to pass eczema on to their unborn child. More research is needed regarding the relationship between fatty acids and eczema, but initial findings look promising.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in your gut and help support your immune system. They can also help improve eczema symptoms by reducing inflammation and improving gut health. Although studies have produced mixed results, some research has shown that taking probiotics can help reduce the severity and frequency of eczema flare-ups. Look for a high-quality probiotic supplement that contains a variety of strains and take it daily to support your skin health. A probiotic supplement promotes healthy intestinal microflora which is often lacking in allergy-prone individuals. They can also help balance gut bacteria, reduce gut lining permeability, and increase immune function. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the body's immune response and imbalances in the gut microbiome have been associated with eczema. Probiotics can help balance the gut microbiome, which can help reduce eczema symptoms. We recommend Pro Bio Capsules.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in skin health. It helps regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, which can help improve eczema symptoms. Studies have shown that people with eczema often have lower levels of vitamin D in their blood, so taking a supplement may be beneficial. Look for a vitamin D3 supplement, which is the most effective form of vitamin D, and take it daily to support your skin health. Drought supplements contain 1000% of your recommended daily allowance. Vitamin D can also be found in red meat, oily fish, liver, and egg yolks.
The benefits of Vitamin D for eczema sufferers were confirmed by a study conducted in 2016 (Reference 3). This research found that patients taking vitamin D supplements had less severity of symptoms than a control group.
Zinc
Zinc is another important nutrient for skin health and can be beneficial for those with eczema. Studies have shown eczema sufferers have lower than average levels of zinc. This research also found the lower the individual’s zinc level, the worse their eczema symptoms were. Zinc helps to support the immune system and reduces inflammation, which can help improve eczema symptoms. Zinc also plays a role in wound healing, which can be helpful for those with eczema who experience skin damage from scratching. Look for a high-quality zinc supplement and take it daily to support your skin health. Our supplements contain 100% of your recommended daily zinc intake. Zinc can also be found in organic meat, oysters, nuts, and seeds.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is a popular supplement for eczema relief due to its high concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)- an omega-6 fatty acid. GLA has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce itching and redness associated with eczema. It also helps to improve skin hydration and elasticity, which can be beneficial for those with dry, itchy skin. Take evening primrose oil in capsule form or apply it topically to the affected areas for best results. We recommend Natures Aid which contains 1000mg of Evening Primrose Oil, along with Omega-6.
Other Supplements for Eczema
Quercetin- Quercetin is a flavonoid which is a natural antihistamine. Quercetin also has anti-inflammatory properties and is thought to improve gut health. Studies suggest it may be beneficial in the management of eczema symptoms. One of these studies found that quercetin reduced eczema symptoms when used in combination with bromelain (an enzyme found in pineapples). Further research found moisturisers that contain quercetin along with rutin (another flavonoid) can improve eczema symptoms in adults. We recommend 500-1000mg a day. Nutravita quercetin capsules have great reviews and also contain Vitamin C. Alternatively, you can find quercetin in apples, leafy veg, peppers, grapes, and red wine.
Anti-Histamines- If you don’t take quercetin, go for a standard daily antihistamine. They can be used to treat symptoms of eczema, such as itching and redness, caused by an allergic reaction. It’s one of the cheapest and most convenient additions to your daily supplement schedule. The benefits are thought to be because many eczema symptoms are related to allergies. For more information about anti-histamines, see our article- Taking Antihistamines For Eczema Symptoms.
Skin Condition Support Supplement- A powerful blend of vitamins and minerals, combined with anti-inflammatory ingredients chosen specifically for Eczema + Psoriasis sufferers. The top eczema-fighting ingredients in Drought are Vitamin E, Vitamin D + Zinc. Studies show that Vitamin E can produce significant reductions in eczema symptoms.
Turmeric- Studies have shown that this herb can dramatically help the symptoms of eczema. Studies have shown that it helps with itching, redness and swelling. Put plainly: a moisturiser with turmeric eased the symptoms of eczema in one study. A separate research showed that children who had taken an oral curcumin supplement (the active substance found in turmeric) experienced a decrease in their eczema signs. You can choose to take it in capsules, teas or spice up your foods!
Borage Seed Oil- Borage seed oil is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including eczema. It is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that is important for maintaining healthy skin. GLA helps to reduce inflammation, which is a common symptom of eczema. Our top pick is Jarrow Formulas, containing 1200mg of Borage seed oil. Studies have shown that borage seed oil supplements can be an effective treatment for eczema. In one study, participants who took borage seed oil supplements experienced a significant decrease in the severity of their eczema symptoms. Another study found that borage seed oil supplements were effective in reducing itching and scaling in individuals with eczema.
Typical daily supplement schedule:
Every morning on an empty stomach:
- Probiotics- one capsule (or capful if you choose a liquid variety)
Lunchtime:
- Skin Condition Support Supplement
- Quercetin or Anti-Histamine- one tablet/capsule
Before bed:
- Evening Primrose Oil- 1 capsule
- Borage Seed Oil- 1 capsule
Keep in mind though that nutrient supplements are used to support these treatments, and will most likely not be successful as a stand-alone approach. It's also important to ask your doctor before taking any supplements, as they may interfere with some medications and might not be appropriate for all. However, there are still some vitamins that can be toxic and harmful in very high doses. Read and follow label instructions.
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1- Bath-Hextall FJ, Jenkinson C, Humphreys R, Williams HC. Dietary supplements for established atopic eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012
2- Miles EA, Calder PC. Can Early Omega-3 Fatty Acid Exposure Reduce Risk of Childhood Allergic Disease? Nutrients. 2017
3- Kim G, Bae JH. Vitamin D and atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition. 2016
