Spot the missing nutrients

Monday 14th December 2009 11:10am

skin

Acne can occur at any age and is almost always related to a hormonal imbalance. It’s important to remember though that the occasional spot is not regarded as acne. Acne is the persistent appearance of lesions over a more generalised area.

Although hormonal in nature there is emerging evidence that sufferers also tend to have lower serum levels of a couple of important vitamins and minerals. It is uncertain if the lower levels are a cause of the problem or a symptom of the condition itself. Either way supplementation to redress the imbalance appears to have positive effects in many sufferers.

Zinc has long been associated with improved healing of skins conditions and wounds so it is no surprise that some evidence points to acne sufferers having lower Zinc levels in their bodies. Thankfully this is a readily available, safe and inexpensive supplement. Zinc in the chelate form, like Herb Valley’s, is a readily absorbable preparation that can be of benefit in these situations.

Vitamins A and E were also found to be significantly lower in acne sufferers compared to the control patients. Vitamin E is readily available in both natural and synthetic forms. The natural forms tend to be more expensive but for those people who make this conscious choice it is comforting to know that Herb Valley’s product is both natural and wheat free so is suitable for those people with gluten intolerance.

Vitamin A in both deficiencies and overdoses is associated with skin problems so getting the right balance is important. It is for this reason that Vitamin A isn’t generally available on its own and in higher strengths it is restricted to prescription only. However adequate daily intake can be obtained by using cod liver oil capsules.

Daily supplementation with cod liver oil, vitamin E and Zinc along with good skin hygiene might go a long way towards helping those people who suffer from prolonged acne.

If your particular results are not satisfactory it might be worth having a word with the family GP because in stubborn cases, especially if it causing emotional distress, there are other prescription treatments that have proven themselves to be very effective over the years.

References:

Ref: El-Akawi, Z., et al. Does the plasma level of vitamins A and E affect acne condition? Clinical Exp Dermatol. 31(3):430-434, 2006. Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Irbid, Jordan.
Amer, M., et al. Serum zinc in acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol. 21(8):481-482, 1982

This information is not intended as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Please consult a properly qualified health care practitioner.