What Are The Best  Vitamin And Mineral Supplements For Eczema?

Sometimes our diets are not great for our skin. Taking supplements for eczema can help improve the condition of your skin, and reduce flare ups.

Having a healthy diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals you need.

But we all know that we don’t always give our body what it needs. So sometimes it needs a helping hand.

Certain vitamins and supplements are beneficial for your skin.

Ones that may help are

• Vitamin B
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Omega-3
• Probiotics

Vitamin B

There are a number of different B-vitamins. Together they are known as the B complex. The B vitamins work together.

The important ones for good skin health are

• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12

They help to

• keep the skin smooth
• reduce inflammation
• lessen any itching

Vitamin B is also good for lowering stress levels. A factor that can make your eczema worse.

It is found naturally in

• meat
• milk
• cheese
• eggs
• some fish

If you decide to take a vitamin B supplement, then it is recommended that you take a B complex with added B3, B6 and B12.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid.

It is not stored in the body, so your body needs a dose daily.

Vitamin C can benefit your eczema as it

• can help with skin inflammation
• acts like an antihistamine, to reduce itching
• helps damaged skin to heal

It is naturally found in

• citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruit
• peppers
• broccoli
• strawberries

Do not take more than 1000mg of vitamin C a day. If you eat a diet full of healthy fruit and vegetables you should get enough. If you decide to take a supplement please speak to your doctor first.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect your body from free radicals.

Free radicals are a by-product of some of our bodies natural processes. Also from pollutants and chemicals taken into your body, like smoking. They can cause damage to your skin. So an antioxidant limits their affect on your skin.

Vitamin E is one of the great supplements for eczema. It benefits your eczema as it can

• reduce skin dryness
• reduce skin inflammation
• help relieve itching

Vitamin E is naturally found in

• nuts and seeds
• soya products
• sunflower oil
• wheat germ

As adults you only need a small amount, around 15mg a day. If you eat a healthy diet you should get that amount from your food.

Vitamin E is also used in creams. They can be brought in any good chemist or health food shop. You can apply them directly to your skin. Just check the ingredients and look out for anything that may aggravate your eczema.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral. It has many functions in your body, and is beneficial for your skin. Including helping your skin to heal.

Natural sources of zinc include

• red meat
• nuts
• beans
• shellfish, especially oysters
• cheese
• milk

It is known that zinc can help improve the health of skin. Some studies have shown that it may help with eczema. Though it has been concluded that more studies may be needed to confirm it either way.

Again, you should get the amount you need from your diet. If taking a supplement do not take more than 25mg a day.

Omega-3

Omega-3 is known as an essential fatty acid. This means that the body cannot make it. They have to be taken into the body. The best way is from food.

Omega-3 has many benefits for many different ailments.

For eczema it can be useful because it

• helps reduce inflammation
• keeps your skin healthy
• can reduce stress, which can aggravate eczema

You can find Omega-3 in

• oily fish, including salmon and herrings
• flaxseed
• nuts, including walnuts and hazelnuts
• eggs

Try and eat oily fish 2-3 times a week.

If you enjoy nuts, though they are a good source of Omega-3, they contain a high number of calories. Having a handful, say 6 walnuts, a day would give your body a good amount.

Omega-3 needs to be taken in balance with Omega-6 and 9. They are all important for your body and health.

A typical diet tends to be high in Omega-6 and 9. This is where taking a supplement of Omega-3 may be recommended. Though always speak to your doctor before taking any supplements for eczema.

Probiotics

Probiotics are known to be 'friendly' bacteria. They are a live bacteria.

There are mixed results from studies about the effectiveness of probiotics and eczema. Some results do show that giving your children probiotics, while under the age of 2 years, will reduce the chance of them developing eczema.

For adult eczema there doesn’t seem to be any conclusive evidence either way.

Natural practitioners seem to recommend taking them. They can help with a number of conditions. And no harm would come to you if you decided to try them.

Probiotics come as tablets and capsules, and in drinks and yoghurt.

If you decide that you would like to try taking any supplements, mention it to your doctor first. This is especially true for vitamin and mineral supplements. It is also important if you are taking any other medications.

Taking supplements for eczema is not just beneficial for your skin. They can benefit your overall health.

If you are interested in other natural treatments for eczema, you can read more about them here

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