Supplements

Published Dec 12, 2021

Atopic dermatitis (AD), often known as eczema, is a chronic skin disorder that causes itchy and red skin. Although it is more prevalent in kids, it can develop at any age. AD is a chronic illness that can flare up in response to particular triggers such as environmental exposures, changing weather, or eating certain foods. It is frequently found in patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis. AD is estimated to affect up to 10.7% of youth in the United States.

While there is no cure for eczema at the moment, there are effective treatment options and self-care techniques that help alleviate itching and perhaps prevent flare-ups. This article will explore vitamins and supplements for eczema that may benefit you or your kids. 

Best Vitamins For Eczema

Numerous eczema vitamins and supplements may be beneficial in the treatment of AD, like: 

• Vitamin A, C, D
• Probiotic and Prebiotic
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Fish Oil
• Quercetin
• Zinc

According to available data, vitamin D, probiotics, and prebiotics appear to be the most beneficial vitamins for AD. These supplements may have a beneficial effect on the immune system, aiding in its improvement. In further detail in the following sections, let us examine vitamin D, probiotics, prebiotics, and other vitamins and supplements for eczema. 

Best Natural Supplements For Eczema

Numerous patients inquire about natural supplements that can help improve their eczema. That is a perfectly reasonable concern. Vitamin A, C, D, probiotic, prebiotic, evening primrose oil, fish oil, quercetin, and zinc are all common vitamins and natural supplements for eczema sufferers. We have conducted research to determine whether these vitamins can help with AD. As usual, consult your physician before beginning any new supplement.

1. Vitamin D

Numerous scientific studies indicate a possible connection between vitamin D deficiency and eczema. While it is well established that vitamin D deficiency can have a detrimental effect on bone health, the effect of this vitamin for eczema and other health issues is being explored. This is particularly true in allergies and immunology.

Supplementing With Vitamin D To Alleviate Eczema Symptoms

There is evidence that oral vitamin D supplementation of 1000 IU vitamin D for a month may alleviate eczema symptoms in children aged 2-17 years.

For adults, 1600 IU of vitamin D per day for 60 days significantly improved the severity of atopic dermatitis.

2. Probiotics and Prebiotics

While vitamins can aid with AD, several supplements can help (for example, probiotics).

Your body is densely populated with both “good” and “bad” bacteria. Probiotic supplements are considered beneficial bacteria since they aid in maintaining a healthy digestive tract.

Depending on the diet, one may already consume foods containing probiotics. They are found in various foods, including apple cider vinegar, yogurt, and dark chocolate. Additionally, probiotics can be taken as supplements in tablet or powder form.

Probiotic supplements — like XSIMPLEX — can be added to your or your child’s diet and may help alleviate the severity of eczema and flare-ups.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are food or supplements that promote the growth of probiotic bacteria. Thus, the PRE label, it is a forerunner to probiotics. They are non-digestible substances that encourage the growth of good gut bacteria.

Prebiotics are frequently oligosaccharides. These may occur naturally in high concentrations (as in human milk) or may be added to meals, beverages, and infant formula as nutritional supplements. Additionally, dietary fiber and inulin (a prebiotic compound present in certain foods) may be called prebiotics.

Published Dec 06, 2021

Cold sores are small blisters that appear on the lips or in the mouth. Certain individuals use lysine, an essential amino acid, to aid in treating or preventing cold sores, but does lysine for cold sores actually work?

Because cold sores are caused by a virus, a doctor will typically prescribe antiviral medication to treat an outbreak. Additionally, they may recommend taking l-lysine for cold sores, an amino acid found in certain foods.

Lysine is required for a variety of bodily functions, including calcium absorption and the formation of collagen. The majority of people consume enough to maximize lysine benefits to meet their body’s basic requirements.

However, individuals seeking to use lysine for canker sores or cold sores will almost certainly need to supplement their lysine intake. Continue reading to learn more about lysine’s effect on cold sores.

Lysine for Cold Sores Explained

Lysine may aid in the slowing or complete removal of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which causes cold sores.

HSV-1 requires another amino acid, arginine, to develop. However, lysine inhibits the absorption of arginine by the body, making it more difficult for HSV-1 to grow and reproduce.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the virus is carried by more than 50% of people aged 14 to 49. While lysine may slow or stop the life cycle of HSV-1, it does not cure the virus. Once infected, a person will always have the virus even if they intake maximum lysine dosage for cold sores.

Lysine Sources

Lysine is a necessary amino acid. Because the human body does not produce lysine naturally, it must be obtained through diet or supplementation.

Among the foods that contain lysine are the following:

• eggs
• yogurt
• Parmesan cheese
• spirulina
• sardines
• codfish
• pork
• turkey
• chicken
• beef
• soybeans

Additionally, people can use an ointment containing lysine to assist in the treatment of cold sores. They can apply the ointment directly to the sore as directed on the packaging until the infection resolves.

Ointments and lip balms containing lysine are available in pharmacies and online.