B-fore Steroids
A new study shows promise for an all-natural, external treatment that can bring relief for eczema: vitamin B12 in a cream form. The B-complex has always had a reputation as a skin healer, so this isn’t particularly shocking news. But often, what works in one form — such as supplements or shots — doesn’t always work topically.
A persistent, itchy, uncomfortable rash of many origins, eczema can drive sufferers to distraction, particularly in the winter months. While eczema is often linked with allergies, the winter weather can exacerbate the condition. The most common topical prescribed is corticosteroids, which can have negative side effects, especially over time. Having an alternative to relieve the itching and start healing the skin will be a welcome change for many.
The best news, however, might be that you don’t need a prescription — vitamin B12 cream can be readily found as an over-the-counter or on-the-internet option.
Of course, if you struggle with eczema on a regular basis and don’t know the cause, a visit to a nutritionally oriented physician would still help. The vitamin B12 cream offers relief, but diagnosis of the cause and a treatment plan that might eliminate your eczema over time is still preferable.
Dr. Wright has long advised that your skin’s good health is more of a result of what you put inside your body than what you slather on topically. But while you’re working on the other aspects triggering your eczema, getting some extra relief in the form of vitamin B12 cream certainly can’t hurt.
Calcium’s not the culprit
Q: Is it true that I shouldn’t take calcium with Synthroid? I have a friend who said that her Synthroid wasn’t working when she took calcium. I haven’t noticed this problem, but I thought it was worth checking.
JVW: Much of the confusion about calcium arises because there are several forms on the market, and some are more readily absorbed than others. Calcium citrate and calcium lactate are the best-absorbed forms; calcium carbonate and calcium oxide are the worst-absorbed. Calcium as hydroxyapatite (a form found in bone), aspartate, malate, succinate, and fumarate fall somewhere in between.
In the case of both Synthroid, and even whole, natural thyroid, calcium stearate is part of the mix already, as it helps keep the product shelf stable. The only form of calcium that appears to block some of the absorption of Synthroid is calcium carbonate — the type used in Tums, Rolaids, and other over-the-counter antacids. One other possibility for any type of absorption problem may not have anything to do with calcium: It could be low stomach acid, a common and largely ignored diagnosis as we age. Checking for hypochlorhydria would be the best first step to take.
Also, I can’t help but take this opportunity to encourage both you and your friend to consider a switch to whole, natural thyroid. Perhaps a consultation with a natural health physician would be a good place to start learning about this option. You can find one in your area by contacting the American College for Advancement in Medicine at (800)532-3688 or www.acam.org.
What is…betaine hydrochloride?
Betaine hydrochloride is the most common acid-containing supplement used when people have too low stomach acid for proper absorption of vitamins and minerals. Low stomach acid is more common as we age, and also in people with asthma, gallstones, and some allergies. This remedy for low stomach acid should always be supervised by a nutritionally oriented physician.
Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Managing Editor
Nutrition & Healing
Sources:
Stucker M, Pieck C, et al. “Topical vitamin B12–a new therapeutic approach in atopic dermatitis-evaluation of efficacy and tolerability in a randomized placebo-controlled multicentre clinical trial.” Br J Dermatol 2004; 150(5): 977-983
