Vitamin D May Be Effective in Fighting Eczema

A recent Harvard-led study suggests that supplementation with vitamin D may improve winter-related atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is an itchy, inflammatory, relapsing skin disorder.

Participants in the study included 100 children with a mean age of nine in Mongolia, where vitamin D deficiency is common in the winter. They were given either 1000 IU of vitamin D or a placebo every day for one month.

At the conclusion of the study, the vitamin D group had a significant improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index score. They also had better Investigator’s Global Assessment scores and secondary outcomes. Additionally, parental assessments that the AD had improved were statistically different after one month, 64% in the vitamin D group and 43% in the placebo group.

The researchers believe the effect seen was due to vitamin D’s potential to boost the immune system.

The study was published in the October 2014 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Previous studies have associated vitamin D with reducing the risk of skin damage, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, combating diabetes, and improving age related macular degeneration.

Vitamin D can be found in milk, fortified cereals, fish, and eggs. Your body also processes vitamin D from the sun but it becomes harder for our bodies to process it as we age. A high quality vitamin D supplement is always a good option if you feel that you’re not getting enough through diet and sun.