The Best Vitamins for Eczema
Eczema can be a frustrating and uncomfortable skin condition, but there are natural supplements for eczema that can help improve symptoms. From omega-3 fatty acids to probiotics, this guide will explore the best vitamins for eczema relief and how they can benefit your skin.
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. There are many supplements that may help you in your battle against eczema symptoms.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that are crucial for maintaining healthy skin. They have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the inflammation associated with eczema. Omega-3s can be found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as in flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. If you don't consume enough omega-3s in your diet, consider taking a fish oil supplement to help alleviate eczema symptoms. Supplements reduce the concentration of inflammatory mediators, improving the appearance of eczema. These benefits were confirmed by a 2012 study (Reference 1), where Omega-3 had the most positive effect of any supplement in tackling 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 due to the fact that 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- This herb has been found to significantly improve the symptoms of eczema. Research has shown that it can ease itching, redness, and swelling. One study found that moisturisers containing turmeric improve eczema symptoms. A further study found that taking an oral curcumin supplement (the active ingredient in turmeric) reduces eczema symptoms in children. It can be taken in capsule form, in tea, or even as a spice in your food!
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
It's important to note that supplements should be used as a foundation for other eczema treatments and they are unlikely to be effective alone. It's also vital to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements, as they can interact with other medications and may not be appropriate for everyone. High levels of certain vitamins can prove toxic and even dangerous. Always read the label and follow the 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
