Vitamin D may have a positive effect on eczema symptoms due to its immune-regulating properties and ability to affect gene expression. However, research into the link is inconclusive.
Eczema commonly affects infants and children but can persist into adulthood. Vitamin D may be a helpful therapy, but people should be careful not to exceed upper limits.
This article explains the link between vitamin D and eczema and looks at what the evidence says. In addition, it discusses how much vitamin D people need and those who are at risk of a deficiency.

Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, is an inflammatory skin condition. It affects around
The word atopic means that there is a tendency to develop allergic diseases. Usually, eczema starts in the first few years of life. Around half of people with moderate to severe eczema also develop other allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, or food allergies.
Scientists know that vitamin D regulates the immune system and have conducted research to determine if a lack of vitamin D triggers the development of eczema and if supplementing it can help symptoms.
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The review explains that vitamin D protects the skin’s barrier function, which helps to prevent infections. Additionally, vitamin D suppresses skin inflammation by increasing and regulating immune cells.
Furthermore, vitamin D affects gene expression, which
The American Academy of Dermatology Association advises that there is not enough scientific evidence to recommend using any vitamin or mineral to treat eczema. It says vitamin D supplements may be helpful during the winter, but people should be careful about how much they take because higher doses can be toxic.
However, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology highlights that there has been a recent increase in studies associating vitamin D deficiency with eczema. Therefore, if a doctor diagnoses vitamin D deficiency, they may prescribe supplements.
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An older
Doctors assess vitamin D levels by taking a blood test. They measure a form of vitamin D called 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in either nanomoles per liter (nmol/l) or nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). One nmol/l is the same as 0.4 ng/ml.
The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) advises that levels of
However, a
Adults need
Two forms of vitamin D are available as a supplement. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol) may be part of a multivitamin and mineral supplement. Alternatively, retailers sell them as single supplements.
However, some vitamin D3 is unsuitable for vegans because manufacturers derive it from sheep’s wool. Instead, vegans can opt for D3 made from lichen or D2.
Although both forms increase vitamin D in a person’s blood, the ODS advises that D3 may raise it higher and for longer than D2. Additionally, because vitamin D is fat-soluble, people absorb it best with a meal or snack that includes some fat.
Supplementing too much vitamin D can be harmful, and the
- nausea or vomiting
- muscle weakness
- confusion
- pain
- loss of appetite
- dehydration
- excessive urination and thirst
- kidney stones
Extremely high levels may even cause death, and vitamin D overdosing is almost always due to excessive supplementation.
Additionally, vitamin D supplements may interact with some medications, either reducing the amount of vitamin D that the body absorbs or affecting a medication’s effectiveness. These medications include steroids, statins, and thiazide diuretics. Therefore, individuals taking medication should check with a doctor to see if vitamin D supplements are appropriate.
What are the upper limits for vitamin D?
The ODS’s
- birth to 6 months: 25 mcg (1,000 IU)
- 7–12 months: 38 mcg (1,500 IU)
- 1–3 years: 63 mcg (2,500 IU)
- 4–8 years: 75 mcg (3,000 IU)
- 9 years and older, including pregnant and breastfeeding females: 100 mcg (4,000 IU)
Some groups of people may have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. According to the
- infants who solely consume breastmilk
- older adults
- people who seldom expose their skin to sunlight
- people with darker skin
- those with health conditions that limit the fat their body absorbs, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis
- people who are obese or have had gastric bypass surgery
Some evidence links vitamin D deficiency to eczema and suggests that supplementing it may relieve symptoms.
Because vitamin D regulates the immune system, it can protect the skin barrier and prevent inflammation.
Vitamin D also influences gene expression, and some research suggests that a lack of it in utero may predispose a person to eczema.
Some people may be at more risk of vitamin D deficiency, including those with darker skin, breastfed infants, and individuals who do not expose their skin to sunlight. People in these groups may need to see a doctor to test their vitamin D levels.
A person can supplement vitamin D if they are deficient but must be careful to stay within safe upper limits.