Vitamins, minerals herbs and beneficial bacteria — Which dietary supplements help eczema?

If your child has eczema, you know how tough it can be to keep the itching, redness, and discomfort under control. Many parents look for extra ways to help their child beyond prescription creams and daily moisturizers.

Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals and herbal products that are taken to ensure intake of essential nutrients and to maintain or improve health.

Some common supplements, like vitamin D, probiotics, melatonin, and others, are being studied for their potential to help with eczema symptoms. Here’s a parent-friendly guide to some of the most popular supplements and what the research says about them.

1. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for healthy immune function, which plays a big role in managing eczema. Research shows that kids with eczema often have lower levels of vitamin D. Kids can get a healthy dose of vitamin D from playing outside during daylight but adding a vitamin D supplement particularly during winter may help improve eczema symptoms.

Some studies have found that kids with eczema who took vitamin D had less severe symptoms  (as found in these studies of Italian children and Mongolian children). A typical dose for kids is often around 600-1000 IU a day, but it’s best to check with your child’s doctor to find the right amount.

2. Berberine

Berberine is a natural compound found in plants like barberry. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can be helpful for kids who have eczema flare-ups caused by Staph aureus bacteria on the skin. While more research is needed to improve the bio-availability of berberine, early studies in animals have shown that berberine may help.

Be aware that berberine may not be safe for infants, and it can affect how the body processes certain medicines, eg. it should not be taken with cyclosporin, so ask your child’s doctor before using it.  For more information about berberine, listen to this Eczema Breakthroughs podcast.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics are "good" bacteria that support a healthy gut, and there’s a growing connection between gut health and skin health. Several studies suggest that probiotics may help reduce eczema symptoms, but frustratingly the results are not conclusive yet. Certain strains, like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis, appear to be most beneficial.

Some research even shows that moms who take probiotics during pregnancy and give them to their babies in early life may help reduce the chance of eczema. While the benefits of probiotics have not been firmly established, they are unlikely to cause harm in an otherwise healthy child and could be worth exploring. Ask your doctor about the best strains and dosages for your child’s needs. For more information about gut health and probiotics, listen to this Eczema Breakthroughs podcast.

4. Melatonin

Many kids with eczema have trouble sleeping due to itching and discomfort. Melatonin, a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep, might help them sleep better and even reduce eczema severity. A review of the research found that children who took melatonin fell asleep faster and also had a lower eczema score.

Melatonin is generally safe in small doses, but it’s a good idea to check with your child’s doctor to find the right dose, as it can vary based on age and weight.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Found in fish oil, omega-3s have natural anti-inflammatory effects. One study suggests that these healthy fats help reduce itching and the use of topical steroids in children with eczema.

6. Zinc

Zinc is important for skin health but as yet the research is not conclusive about whether taking a zinc supplement will improve eczema symptoms. If your child is eating a balanced diet (beef, poultry, oats and dairy are all good sources), then they are probably getting enough zinc.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you’re considering supplements for your child, talk with a healthcare provider before starting. Supplements can sometimes interact with medications or have side effects, and it’s important to get the right dose based on your child’s age, size, and health needs.

Final Thoughts

Supplements like vitamin D, probiotics, melatonin, and others might offer some extra support in managing eczema, but they work best when used along with regular treatments and skincare routines. With a balanced approach and guidance from a healthcare provider, these options could provide some relief for your child’s symptoms.

If you’re looking for more resources and support, check out the Eczhale app by Global Parents for Eczema Research. It offers helpful tools and information for parents and caregivers of children with eczema.