Mosquito bites can may contribute to the transmission of several diseases such as West Nile virus or dengue fever. You are prone to mosquito bites during dawn or dusk, as most mosquitoes frequently look to feed at this time. To help combat mosquito bites, there are several nutritional substances you can incorporate into your daily diet that are efficient in preventing mosquito bites.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
Vitamin C can help to reduce the inflammation and pain as a result of insect bites, according to Phyllis A. Balch in her book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Balch recommends taking around 5,000 mg of vitamin C daily to help prevent mosquito bites. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that vitamin C is also important for the healing of wounds on the skin, including mosquito bites. Vitamin C is rich in foods such as kiwi, cooked greens, blueberries, winter squash, tomatoes and cranberries.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin. According to the MedlinePlus website, vitamin E helps to block damage from free radicals, unstable substances that can hasten the aging process and lead to wrinkles. Vitamin E also helps to make red blood cells and promote the development of new skin cells by enhancing your blood circulation. The Home Remedy Reference Center says that vitamin E has been shown to be one of the best treatments for bug bites. Balch says that vitamin E can help to reduce swelling from mosquito bites and recommends taking 200 international units, or IU, of vitamin E everyday. Vitamin E can be found in corn and sun flower seeds.
Vitamin B-1
Vitamin B-1, also called thiamine, can be used to help prevent mosquito bites by acting as a repellent. After consuming thiamine, your skin releases a smell that mosquitoes dislike, according to Balch. She recommends taking about 75 to 150 mg of vitamin B-1 daily to prevent mosquito bites. Vitamin B-1 can be found in foods such as rice, black strap molasses and whole grains.
Mosquito Bites At a Glance
Only female mosquitoes bite, as they need your blood for food. While they feed on your blood, they release some of their saliva into your skin, usually causing a reaction which includes a red bump and itching. Severe allergic reactions are rare but can occur -- which may involve hives and swelling of the throat.
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