Vitamins & Nutrients for Eczema: What Evidence Supports

No vitamin cures eczema, but certain nutrients may support skin barrier & reduce inflammation.

Promising Nutrients

• Vitamin D: Low levels correlate with severity; supplementation (1000‑4000 IU) improves SCORAD in deficient patients.
• Vitamin E: Antioxidant; topical + oral trials show modest itch reduction.
• Omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA): Anti‑inflammatory; fish oil 1‑2 g/day may reduce flare frequency.
• Zinc: Critical for epithelial repair; deficiency worsens eczema.
• Probiotics (L. rhamnosus, B. lactis): Some RCTs show reduced incidence in infants; mixed in adults.

Less Evidence

• Vitamin A (retinoids) – topical helps, oral toxicity risk.
• Vitamin C – theoretical antioxidant; no strong eczema trials.
• B‑complex – only if deficient.

Practical Advice

• Test vitamin D; supplement to 40‑60 ng/mL.
• Eat fatty fish 2×/week or take quality fish oil.
• Consider zinc 15‑30 mg if diet low.
• Discuss any supplement with dermatologist—interactions possible.

Foundation remains: moisturize, avoid triggers, topical Rx per physician.