What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Eczema? The Complex Nutritional Links

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2018 review, studies have found that lower vitamin D levels are associated with increased eczema severity, particularly in children. While no single nutrient deficiency is the sole cause of this complex inflammatory condition, understanding what vitamin deficiency causes eczema or exacerbates its symptoms is a critical part of managing it.

Quick Summary

No single deficiency causes eczema, but low levels of vitamins D, E, B12, and minerals like zinc are consistently linked to atopic dermatitis severity and flare-ups, impacting immune function and skin barrier integrity.

Key Points

Vitamin D Connection: Low levels of vitamin D are linked to increased eczema severity, potentially due to its role in immune regulation and skin barrier function.
Topical B12 Benefits: Topical vitamin B12 cream has shown promise in reducing eczema symptoms in some clinical studies, potentially by decreasing inflammation.
Zinc Deficiency and Risk: Insufficient zinc, an essential mineral for immunity and healing, is associated with a higher risk of developing eczema or worsening its severity.
Antioxidant Support: Vitamin E's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help improve eczema symptoms, but more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
Supplements are Complementary: Vitamins and supplements should be seen as a complementary part of a broader treatment plan for eczema, not a cure.
Consult a Doctor: It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new vitamin or supplement regimen, as high doses can be toxic or interact with other medications.
Holistic Approach: Successful eczema management involves addressing triggers beyond nutrition, such as stress, skin barrier issues, and environmental factors.

The Link Between Vitamins, Minerals, and Eczema

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and red patches of skin. Its causes are multifactorial, involving a combination of genetics, immune system dysfunction, and environmental triggers. Emerging research, however, points to nutritional status as a significant contributing factor, with deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals potentially influencing both the onset and severity of eczema. It is important to emphasize that while deficiencies can worsen symptoms, they are not the only cause and do not affect everyone the same way. Always consult a healthcare professional before adding supplements to your treatment plan.

Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin's Role in Skin Health

Vitamin D is arguably the most researched vitamin regarding its association with eczema. Primarily synthesized in the skin from sun exposure, it acts more like a hormone, playing a crucial role in regulating the immune system and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

Lower serum levels of vitamin D have been correlated with higher incidence and severity of eczema, particularly in children. The proposed mechanisms include:

Immune regulation: Vitamin D helps modulate the immune response, reducing the overall inflammation that is a hallmark of atopic dermatitis.
Antimicrobial defense: It aids in the production of antimicrobial peptides like cathelicidin, which helps fight off skin infections common in eczema patients.
Skin barrier function: By influencing gene expression, vitamin D helps regulate proteins vital for the skin's barrier function, such as filaggrin, which helps lock in moisture.

Observational studies have indicated this link, and some intervention trials have shown that supplementation, especially during winter when sun exposure is limited, may improve symptoms. However, results can be inconsistent, and more robust research is needed to determine optimal dosing.

Vitamin B12: A Non-Steroidal Topical Option

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that aids in cell reproduction and repair. While systemic deficiency of B12 can cause skin issues, it's the topical application that has shown promising results in some clinical trials for eczema.

A cream containing 0.07% vitamin B12, when applied topically, has been shown to significantly reduce eczema severity scores in both children and adults in smaller studies. The mechanism is thought to be related to its anti-inflammatory effects and a reduction in nitric oxide levels, which are elevated in people with eczema. Since it's a non-steroidal option, it holds particular promise for sensitive areas or for individuals looking to minimize steroid use.

Zinc: An Essential Mineral for Healing and Immunity

Zinc is a vital trace mineral for immune function, skin health, and wound healing. A deficiency in zinc is known to cause skin changes, including an eczema-like rash that does not respond to typical eczema treatments.

Other Relevant Nutrients

Vitamin E: As an antioxidant, Vitamin E protects skin cells from oxidative stress and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Limited research suggests both topical and oral vitamin E might help reduce eczema symptoms and inflammation, though more studies are required.
Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6): An imbalance in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to inflammation. Fish oil (rich in omega-3) has shown promise in some studies for reducing inflammation and itchiness. Evening primrose oil (rich in the omega-6 GLA) has produced mixed results.
Probiotics: Research on probiotics for eczema is complex. Some studies suggest they may help prevent eczema in at-risk infants by influencing gut bacteria and the immune system. However, their effectiveness in treating existing eczema is debated.

A Comparative Look at Nutrient Support for Eczema


Nutrient	Primary Function in Skin Health	Evidence for Eczema	Best Practice	Key Takeaway
Vitamin D	Immune regulation, skin barrier enhancement, antimicrobial production	Strong link between low levels and increased severity. Supplementation shows promise, especially in winter.	Oral supplementation, sun exposure	Consult a doctor for blood level testing and dosage.
Vitamin B12	Cell reproduction, inflammation control, skin repair	Topical cream has demonstrated significant reduction of symptoms in several trials. Oral link is weaker.	Topical application, oral supplements if deficient	May be a safe, non-steroidal option for topical use.
Zinc	Immune function, wound healing, antioxidant	Deficiency is associated with increased eczema risk and severity. Topical use may soothe skin.	Dietary intake, topical creams, oral supplements if low	Best for individuals with diagnosed deficiency; evidence is mixed for general supplementation.
Vitamin E	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizer	Limited but promising studies suggest oral and topical use can reduce symptoms.	Topical application, dietary sources	Use cautiously, as high doses can be toxic.

The Importance of a Personalized Approach

Given that eczema's causes are multifaceted, a personalized approach to nutritional therapy is essential. For individuals struggling with persistent symptoms, a nutritional therapist may conduct biochemical testing to identify specific allergies or deficiencies. Addressing these imbalances through dietary changes and targeted supplementation can help reduce inflammation and improve skin health. This may involve adopting a more anti-inflammatory diet, rich in healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables, and considering specific supplements under professional guidance.

Conclusion

While a direct, single-cause relationship between vitamin deficiency and eczema is not established, there is compelling evidence linking low levels of certain nutrients, most notably vitamins D, B12, and zinc, to the severity and management of this inflammatory skin condition. Supplementation, particularly with topical B12 and oral Vitamin D during deficient periods, shows potential for symptom relief. However, the complex nature of eczema means that nutritional changes should complement, not replace, a comprehensive treatment plan developed in consultation with a healthcare professional. Further research is needed to fully understand the intricate interplay between diet, nutrition, and eczema development.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a single vitamin deficiency is not considered the sole cause of eczema. It is a complex condition with genetic, immune system, and environmental factors playing a significant role. However, deficiencies can exacerbate symptoms and increase severity.

Deficiencies in Vitamin D are most strongly linked to eczema. Numerous studies have associated lower serum vitamin D levels with more severe cases of atopic dermatitis, though more research is needed for definitive conclusions.

Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system to reduce inflammation, aids in producing antimicrobial peptides to prevent infection, and supports skin barrier function to lock in moisture. All of these factors can help mitigate eczema symptoms.

Yes, some studies suggest that topical vitamin B12 cream can be effective for reducing eczema symptoms, particularly in children and those with mild to moderate eczema.

Yes, research indicates that zinc deficiency is associated with a higher risk and increased severity of eczema. Zinc is important for immune function and wound healing.

Always consult a healthcare professional before taking supplements for eczema. While some vitamins like D, E, and B12 show promise, their effectiveness varies, and high doses can be dangerous or interact with medications.

Yes, a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like oily fish, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats may help reduce systemic inflammation that contributes to eczema flare-ups.