Several supplements have shown promise in managing atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, based on varying degrees of clinical evidence:

1. Probiotics and Prebiotics:

   • Probiotics, especially in combination with prebiotics, have shown some efficacy in managing AD. However, more studies are required to clarify the optimal dosage and strains¹².

2. Vitamin D:

   • Vitamin D supplementation may benefit AD patients, particularly those with a deficiency. Studies show varying results, but some indicate an improvement in symptoms, especially during the winter when vitamin D levels can drop³⁴.

3. Vitamin E:

   • Vitamin E has been shown to reduce serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in atopic patients, potentially improving AD symptoms⁵. Combining vitamin D and E also yielded better results than either vitamin alone in some studies³.

4. Topical Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin):

   • Topical vitamin B12 has been effective in improving AD symptoms in both children and adults by inhibiting nitric oxide synthase, a pathway involved in inflammation⁶.

5. Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) Supplements:

   • Evening Primrose Oil, Black Currant Seed Oil, and Borage Oil contain GLA, which has been investigated for AD symptom relief. Despite mixed results, some individuals report symptom improvement; however, large systematic reviews have not confirmed a clear benefit⁷⁸.

6. Fatty Acids:

   • Fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids can also potentially benefit AD, though evidence is limited and further research is needed¹⁹.

Supplements may work differently for each individual, and it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Footnotes

1. Isaac Weber, "Clinical Efficacy of Nutritional Supplements in Atopic Dermatitis: Systematic Review," PubMed, 2023. ↩ ↩²

2. Megan J. Schlichte, "Diet and eczema: a review of dietary supplements for the treatment of atopic dermatitis," PubMed Central, 2016. ↩

3. Kleyton de Carvalho Mesquita, "Atopic dermatitis and vitamin D: facts and controversies," PubMed Central, 2013. ↩ ↩²

4. Ziyu Zhu, "Assessment of the Effectiveness of Vitamin Supplement in Treating Eczema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," PubMed Central, 2019. ↩

5. Fariba Jaffary, "Effects of oral vitamin E on treatment of atopic dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial," NCBI, 2020. ↩

6. Allison L. Goddard, "Alternative, Complementary, and Forgotten Remedies for Atopic Dermatitis," PubMed Central, 2015. ↩

7. Fiona J Bath‐Hextall, "Evening primrose and borage oil for eczema," NCBI, 2012. ↩

8. Angelina Labib, "The effect of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals on pediatric atopic dermatitis: A systematic review," PubMed, 2020. ↩

9. Alexandra R Vaughn, "Micronutrients in Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review," PubMed, 2019. ↩