Vitamin and Mineral Supplements for Rosacea

Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Zinc

Written by Tara Carson

08 July, 2011

Fact Checked

Rosacea is a chronic health disorder characterized by inflammation of the skin of the face. It causes red patches and bumps to appear periodically, and then it subsides before flaring up again. Rosacea usually worsens over time if no treatment is provided, according to MayoClinic.com 1. Rosacea may appear similar to other skin problems, such as acne, eczema or allergies. Currently rosacea is incurable; however, treatments can manage symptoms. Vitamins and minerals should be considered alongside other treatments, because they can support the healing of blood vessels and skin abnormalities.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is necessary to make collagen, an important structural element of blood vessels and the skin. It also supports the immune system, strengthens capillaries -- which become inflamed in rosacea cases -- and behaves as a general anti-inflammatory, according to nutritionist Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." The recommended dose is 3000 to 5000 mg daily, taken in divided doses 2. Food sources of vitamin C include:

tomatoes
oranges
grapefruit
potatoes
broccoli
strawberries

Vitamin C is necessary to make collagen, an important structural element of blood vessels and the skin.
It also supports the immune system, strengthens capillaries -- which become inflamed in rosacea cases -- and behaves as a general anti-inflammatory, according to nutritionist Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing."

Vitamin A

Seborrheic Dermatitis & Zinc

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Vitamin A is often used for the treatment of skin disorders and in the synthesis of skin tissue. The recommended dose of vitamin A for cases of rosacea is 25,000 IU daily for three months. Thereafter, reduce the dose to 15,000 IU daily, according to Balch. Food sources of vitamin A include:

cod liver oil
eggs
butter
milk
carrots
spinach
sweet potatoes

Vitamin A is often used for the treatment of skin disorders and in the synthesis of skin tissue.
The recommended dose of vitamin A for cases of rosacea is 25,000 IU daily for three months.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral known for its function in tissue repair. As a result, zinc deficiencies often appear as skin rashes, according to Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute. Zinc also enhances the immune system. Balch recommends taking zinc gluconate lozenges to improve absorption and recommends taking 50 mg daily. Food sources of zinc include:

oysters
crab
yogurt
beef
cashews
almonds
beans

Zinc is a mineral known for its function in tissue repair.
Balch recommends taking zinc gluconate lozenges to improve absorption and recommends taking 50 mg daily.