Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attack your body's own tissues, joints and organs. Symptoms may include achy joints, inflammation, fatigue, skin rashes and light sensitivity. It is more common in women then men. The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but a genetic predisposition along with environmental factors such as stress, hormones and infections may contribute to its onset and development. Women with lupus tend to experience an increase in lupus symptoms shortly before, during or immediately after their monthly menstruation. Certain vitamins may help women with lupus effectively manage their condition.
Vitamin A
Women with lupus may benefit from taking vitamin A. Vitamin A boosts immune system function, aids in tissue healing, supports skin and mucus membrane health and helps your body convert proteins into energy. Vitamin A also lowers your risk of developing eye disorders, rashes, cancer, colds, influenza and other infections and slows the aging process, according to Earl J. Brewer and Kathy Angel, authors of the book "The Arthritis Sourcebook." The recommend dosage for women with lupus is 25,000 IU daily. Pregnant women should not take more than 10,000 IU daily because higher doses have been linked to neonatal central nervous system malformations. Foods rich in vitamin A include liver, eggs, milk, fortified cereals, fish, spinach, kale and turnip greens.
Vitamin C
Increasing your vitamin C intake may help alleviate lupus symptoms and ward off potential flares. According to Judith Brown, author of the book "Every Woman's Guide to Nutrition," vitamin C strengthens your immune system, increases your body's production of antibodies, protects your organs and connective tissues and joints from damage. This vitamin also decreases inflammation in your body, heals mouth and skin sores, reduces the duration and severity of viruses and infections and neutralizes harmful metals in your body. Women with lupus should obtain 1,000 IU of vitamin C on a daily basis. Foods rich in vitamin C include strawberries, oranges, broccoli, kale, spinach, turnip greens, Swiss chard, cranberries, blueberries, pineapples and grapefruits.
Vitamin D
Supplementing with vitamin D every day may help alleviate lupus symptoms and ward off potential flares. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and other nutrients needed to keep your bones strong and your body functioning at an optimal level. It also strengthens your immune system, lowers your risk of bone loss due to arthritis and reduces lupus symptoms such as joint pain and inflammation, according to Michael Zimmermann, author of the book "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease." Zimmerman states that while most people receive some vitamin D from sun exposure, people with lupus are extremely sensitive to sunlight and may experience flu-like symptoms and butterfly-shaped facial skin rashes following sun exposure. Vitamin D supplements are especially beneficial for lupus patients who cannot obtain an adequate supply of vitamin D from the sun. The recommended dosage of vitamin D for women with lupus is 2,000 international units or IU daily, along with 1000 IU of calcium. Foods rich in vitamin D include salmon, mackerel, sardines, egg yolks and fortified milk, enriched soymilk and some ready-to-eat cereals.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E may help women with lupus manage their condition. According to Lavon J. Dunne, author of the book "Nutrition Almanac," vitamin E strengthens your immune system, protects your tissues, blood vessels, organs, joints and muscles from damaging free radicals. Vitamin E can also decrease inflammation in your body, promote healing, soothe inflamed skin, help your body use oxygen more effectively and prevent your red blood cells from rupturing. The recommended dosage for women with lupus is 25,000 IU daily. Foods rich in vitamin E include sunflower seeds, ready-to-eat cereals, almonds, hazelnuts, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, turnip greens, sweet potatoes, crab, margarine, canola oil, mangoes and papaya.
References
- "Autoimmune Connection "; Rita Baron-Faust and Jill Buyon; 2003
- "Arthritis: How to Stay Active and Relieve Your Pain"; Barbara Stokes and Antoine Helewa; 2007
- "The Arthritis Sourcebook"; Earl J. Brewer and Kathy Angel; 2000
- "Nutrition Almanac"; Lavon J. Dunne; 2001
- "Every Woman's Guide to Nutrition"; Judith E. Brown; 1990
- "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease"; Michael Zimmermann; 2001
