What is my body lacking if I have eczema? Nutritional deficiencies explained

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Research suggests that up to 30% of people with eczema also have food allergies, highlighting the strong link between diet and skin health. Addressing what is my body lacking if I have eczema through nutrition can help reduce inflammation and support the skin's crucial barrier function.

Quick Summary

Eczema symptoms can be exacerbated by nutritional shortfalls and certain food triggers. Key deficiencies often include vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, which play crucial roles in regulating inflammation and skin health. Addressing these imbalances through a targeted diet can help manage flare-ups.

Key Points

Nutrient Deficiencies: Low levels of vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are commonly linked to more severe eczema symptoms due to their roles in immune function and inflammation.
Gut Health Connection: An imbalanced gut microbiome can worsen eczema symptoms, and incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir may help restore balance.
Food Triggers: Common food allergens such as dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat can act as triggers, as can inflammatory processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
Anti-inflammatory Diet: Adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help reduce systemic inflammation and support skin health.
Professional Guidance: Before starting an elimination diet or taking supplements, consult a doctor or dietitian to ensure you maintain a nutritionally balanced diet and effectively identify triggers.

While the exact cause of eczema is complex and multifaceted, involving genetics, environment, and the immune system, nutrition plays a significant, though indirect, role in managing the condition. For many people, symptoms may be aggravated or improved by dietary factors, making it essential to understand what nutrients might be lacking and how to support your body. Diet can impact systemic inflammation, gut health, and skin barrier function, all of which are relevant to eczema.

Key Nutritional Deficiencies Linked to Eczema

Vitamin D

Studies have shown a correlation between low vitamin D levels and increased incidence and severity of eczema symptoms. Vitamin D, which acts more like a hormone than a vitamin, is known to influence immune regulation and skin barrier function. A deficiency can lead to a more inflammatory immune response, potentially worsening eczema. Sources include sunlight exposure, oily fish like salmon and mackerel, and fortified foods. Supplementation, especially during winter months, may be beneficial, but it should be done under a doctor's guidance.

Zinc

Zinc is a vital mineral for skin health, wound healing, and immune function, with strong anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps restore healthy gut flora, which can be imbalanced in eczema sufferers. Research indicates that patients with severe eczema often have lower zinc levels. Food sources include pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and meat. While zinc supplements can be helpful, especially in cases of confirmed deficiency, they should be taken with caution as high doses can cause adverse effects.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Eczema is often associated with a pro-inflammatory state, and omega-3 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA found in fish oil, can inhibit the production of inflammatory chemicals like leukotriene B4, which are involved in eczema. Eczema sufferers have been found to have lower levels of omega-3s in their systems. A high intake of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, common in Western diets, can exacerbate this imbalance. Omega-3-rich sources include oily fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

Probiotics and Gut Health

The gut microbiome has a significant impact on the immune system and skin health, a connection known as the gut-skin axis. In eczema, an imbalance of gut bacteria may contribute to immune dysregulation. Probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria, can help restore balance to the gut and may reduce systemic inflammation. Some studies have shown that specific probiotic strains like Lactobacillus salivarius and Bifidobacterium can reduce mild eczema symptoms, though more research is needed. Probiotic-rich foods include yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables.

Anti-inflammatory and Gut-Supporting Foods

Consuming a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods can help reduce inflammation and support overall skin health. Key food groups to include are:

Fruits and vegetables: Colorful produce like apples, berries, spinach, and broccoli are packed with flavonoids and antioxidants that fight inflammation.
Healthy fats: Incorporate olive oil, avocados, flaxseeds, and fatty fish for their omega-3 and healthy fat content.
Lean protein: Chicken and beef broth can provide skin-repairing amino acids. Ensure you have adequate protein from sources like legumes and fish.
Probiotic foods: Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and miso soup can help support a healthy gut microbiome.

Dietary Triggers and Sensitivities to Consider

Not everyone with eczema has food sensitivities, but for some, certain foods can trigger flare-ups. Common triggers include:

Common allergens: Dairy (especially cow's milk), eggs, soy, wheat, and nuts are often linked to eczema.
High-sugar foods: Processed foods and sugary drinks can cause insulin spikes that contribute to inflammation.
Processed fats: Trans fats found in margarine, fast food, and processed snacks are pro-inflammatory.
High-nickel foods: For dyshidrotic eczema, triggers can include foods high in nickel and cobalt like whole grains, nuts, and chocolate.

Diet Modification Comparison for Eczema


Diet Approach	Description	Pros	Cons	Consider for...
Anti-inflammatory Diet	Focuses on fruits, vegetables, fish, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats.	Broadly beneficial for reducing systemic inflammation and supporting skin health.	Can be less specific for identifying individual triggers.	Anyone with eczema looking for a general health-promoting diet.
Elimination Diet	Removes suspected food triggers (e.g., dairy, gluten, soy) for a period before reintroducing them one by one.	Can help pinpoint specific food triggers contributing to flare-ups.	Can be restrictive and lead to nutritional deficiencies if not supervised by a dietitian.	Individuals who suspect a food sensitivity is causing their flare-ups.
Dyshidrotic Diet	Designed specifically for dyshidrotic eczema, it involves limiting foods high in nickel and cobalt.	Targets a specific trigger for a particular type of eczema.	Requires careful tracking of food intake and may be very restrictive.	Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of dyshidrotic eczema.

Conclusion

While eczema has no single cure, adjusting your diet to address potential deficiencies and remove trigger foods can be a powerful tool for managing symptoms. Key nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3s, along with supporting a healthy gut microbiome, are crucial for a well-functioning immune system and a strong skin barrier. However, there is no one-size-fits-all diet, and identifying personal triggers requires careful attention. It is always best to consult with a doctor or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes, especially for children, to ensure nutritional needs are met and underlying issues are properly addressed. You can find more information about diet and eczema from authoritative sources like the National Eczema Association.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

While a single vitamin deficiency does not directly cause eczema, low levels of certain nutrients, such as Vitamin D, are often associated with more severe symptoms. These deficiencies can impair skin barrier function and immune response, contributing to flare-ups.

Common food allergens linked to eczema include cow's milk, eggs, soy, and gluten. Other potential triggers are processed foods high in sugar, fast food, and foods high in nickel or cobalt, especially for those with dyshidrotic eczema. It's best to identify your personal triggers through an elimination diet, guided by a professional.

Yes, omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish oil, have potent anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce eczema symptoms. People with eczema often have lower levels of these fatty acids, making supplementation or dietary changes beneficial.

There is a link between gut health and eczema, and probiotics can help restore balance to the gut microbiome. Some studies have shown specific probiotic strains can reduce mild eczema symptoms, though more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness across all cases.

The best diet is typically an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and healthy fats while minimizing processed foods and sugar. This approach helps reduce systemic inflammation. However, individual triggers vary, and some may benefit from a guided elimination diet.

The most effective way to identify food triggers is through a supervised elimination diet. This involves removing suspected foods from your diet for a period and then reintroducing them one at a time while monitoring your symptoms for changes.

Supplements like fish oil, vitamin D, and zinc may be beneficial if you have a confirmed deficiency. However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplements, as high doses can be harmful and they are not a cure-all.