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What Vitamins Should I Take If I Have Lupus?
Lupus is an inflammatory disease that occurs when the immune system turns on the body’s tissues and begins attacking them. It can produce a broad range of symptoms, including muscle pain, fatigue, hair loss, skin rashes, anxiety/depression, headache and more.
Some studies has linked lupus to nutritional deficiencies. We asked a panel of professionals to share guidance on vitamins that can minimize symptoms of lupus. Here’s what they had to say.
Edie Reads
Edie Reads is a graduate of Queen's University, a Dietitian, and chief editor at healthadvise.org, a website whose focus is advising readers on matters related to weight loss and general wellness.
Requires keen monitoring
Lupus, just like other chronic health conditions, requires keen monitoring. Lupus can be diagnosed through antibody blood test or the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test. There are actually three main types of lupus: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) that affects different organs in the body, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) that is only specific to the skin and Drug-induced Lupus that is only temporary and is caused by certain medicine.
Lupus affects the nervous system as it interrupt the blood flow in your nerves and attacks healthy tissues. One of the most effective approaches to wellness is through a proper diet. Consequently, going wrong on the diet could delay your recovery, or make the condition even worse.
Eating the wrong food increases the risk of lupus flares – a stage when the symptoms are severe. Prioritize foods rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant, protecting you from cell damage. It also boosts your immunity.
Vitamin D supplementation is equally important since the sun isn’t recommended for lupus patients. Vitamin D supplementation will help protect your bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis – a common condition among people with lupus.
Similarly, Vitamin A is an excellent antioxidant and will boost your immune system. B-vitamin complex and Zinc also have lots of health benefits. To get these minerals, eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Sweet potatoes and apricots are also excellent sources.
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Dr. Vikram Tarugu
Dr. Vikram Tarugu, CEO at Detox of South Florida. Vikram is a gastroenterologist and medical professional focused on alcohol addiction treatment. A veteran in the medical field with over 25 years of professional experience, he is a consultant for many South Florida rehab centers.
Vitamin E, A and B
In a lupus diet, vitamin E, calcium, vitamin A, and the B vitamins all gain.
Vitamin C will improve the iron absorption potential and is a good source of antioxidants. Vitamin D supplementation in patients with lupus is essential for it tend to minimize the heat, so this may contribute to poorer production of vitamin D levels.
Calcium and vitamin D levels are believed to lead to raising the likelihood of osteoporosis typical in people with lupus. Your doctor can even suggest taking vitamins, including calcium and vitamin D, to better strengthen the bones. New trials are directly studying whether or not vitamin D levels may also help to alleviate the effects of lupus.
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Dr. Giuseppe Aragona
Dr. Giuseppe Aragona, General Practitioner & Medical Advisor at Prescription Doctor.
Supplements that support immune system
For Lupus sufferers, I would recommend you to take vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K to help you decrease your lupus symptoms such as bone and joint pain, constant fatigue as well as dry skin. These supplements will help support your immune system as well as give you some protection from some of the common symptoms.
Obviously, it is much better for you to obtain these vitamins through good food sources like fish, eggs, and cheese, but I know how difficult it can be to eat the recommended amount of each one. This is where vitamins come in and save the day, but I do want you to be aware that too much of these vitamins can have some negative side effects, so always read the contents before taking them.
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Lisa Richards
Lisa Richards, Nutritionist at The Candida Diet.
Omega-3 as a supplement
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that cannot be cured, but symptoms can be mitigated through certain vitamins or supplements. Men and women with lupus can experience some of the most common symptoms which include muscle and joint pain, fatigue, low-grade fever, and headaches which are triggered by low-grade inflammation.
Omega-3 fish oil should be a staple in any Lupus patient's supplement regimen. This essential fatty acid is anti-inflammatory and found in fish and other sources that are not consumed in large enough quantities in the standard American diet. Therefore, adding omega-3 as a supplement can improve muscle and joint pain caused by inflammation from an overactive immune system.
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Trista Best
Trista Best is a Registered Dietitian at Balance One Supplements, Environmental Health Specialist, and Adjunct Nutrition Professor.
Vitamin C with an iron supplement
Those living with Lupus are already prone to fatigue associated with the autoimmune disease. About half of those diagnosed with this condition also have low iron.
The occurrence of anemia is higher due to inflammation and certain medications common among lupus patients, azathioprine or cyclophosphamide, reducing bone marrow which is necessary for red blood cell production.
Combining vitamin C with an iron supplement can help increase iron absorption while also being a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants work in the body to prevent and reduce cellular damage from toxins and free radicals, another way to help mitigate lupus symptoms.
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Dr. Waqas Ahmad
Dr. Waqas Ahmad, Physician at Insurecast. He is a Family Medicine Physician with around 14 years of experience in managing all types of [conditions] like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and other common diseases of children and adults.
Vitamin E, D and K
Lupus is one of the chronic autoimmune diseases that may be triggered by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. There are many vitamins that help in the improvement of the condition in lupus. These are:
Vitamin B. Vitamin B3, vitamin B6 & vitamin B12 are very important. A low level of vitamin B6 is associated with high CRP which is an indicator of inflammation. Folic acid or folate is also associated with inflammation.
Vitamin B is also very important in the function and health of nerve cells. It is present in animal protein sources like meat, dairy products, fish, and eggs, and plant sources like cauliflower, mushrooms, etc.
Vitamin C. It is a powerful antioxidant that improves immunization, helps in wound healing through collagen formation, and reduces inflammation.
Vitamin A. It is also an antioxidant and plays a role in vision, immune system, inflammation, and growth. Its sources include carrots, egg yolk, butter, cod liver oil, and cheddar cheese.
Vitamin E. It is a vitamin having antioxidant properties that play an essential role in the prevention of nerve degeneration. It improves the function of the brain and fights inflammation.
Vitamin D. This is an essential vitamin that is very important for bone health and immunity. Lupus patients cannot tolerate sunlight so they have to rely on the food sources for their intake.
Vitamin K. It is important in blood coagulation, blood vessels, and bone health. It is present in eggs, fish, chicken liver, beans, and strawberries, etc.
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Maggie Cadet, MD
Dr. Maggie Cadet, Internist, Rheumatologist at maggiecadetmd.com.
Vitamins and minerals in a diet
There still needs to be more studies about data supporting the use of vitamins for individuals with a lupus diagnosis. Studies have shown an association with vitamin D deficiency and lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. There doesn’t seem to be much evidence linking Vitamin D deficiency and lupus disease activity.
Vitamin A is another fat-soluble vitamin that is required for the proper functioning of the body’s native and adaptive immune response. Some other vitamins and minerals are important for healthy and strong immune function.
Since there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting vitamin supplementation for preventing or treating autoimmune diseases, incorporating vitamins and minerals in a diet is a great way for lupus patients to maintain and boost a healthy immune system.
Having a healthy diet that is full of fruits and vegetables is very essential for your health. Some of the great immune-boosting foods are vitamin C-rich foods like tangerines, bell peppers, oranges, limes, and lemons. Fatty fish like tuna and salmon, yogurt, beef liver, cheese, dairy products, orange juice, and cheese are all good sources of Vitamin D. Spinach and broccoli contain vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin B6 can be found in fish, potatoes, and certain vegetables.
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Annie Lou von Mizener
Annie Lou von Mizener, BIM Technology Consultant at Simpson Strong-Tie.
Turmeric pills
I avoided chemo and kept my lupus in remission for several years with turmeric pills, 2 in the morning, and 2 before bed. Unfortunately, I didn't know turmeric contains high amounts of oxalates, or even that oxalates existed, and I developed Hashimotos. I now manage my lupus with a carnivore diet, animal products, water, and black coffee only. I stay in remission and am losing weight.
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