Candida is a fungal infection that can affect any part of your skin, hair, vagina or nails. It also can affect hospitalized patients who are catheterized to pass urine. Such fungal infections can affect the mouth, which is known as oral thrush. In the vagina, causes vaginitis. When it affects moist areas of your skin, such as arm pits, groin or between the toes, it's known as cutaneous candidiasis. Some vitamins appear to be beneficial for managing candida infections. Always talk to a doctor before taking supplements for a medical condition.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is also called as the "sunshine vitamin." It is a fat-soluble vitamin and plays a role in absorbing calcium in your body. Vitamin D is activated inside your body after exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D supplements are also available over the counter.
According to results of an in-vitro study published in "The Journal of Infectious Diseases" on January 1, 2011, using vitamin D supplements during a candida infection can reduce the severity of the infection due to the immune booster effects produced by vitamin D.
Vitamin B-2
Riboflavin, or vitamin B-2, is necessary for normal maintenance of your body tissues and is involved in the metabolism of fats, sugars and proteins. According to the results of a study published in " Investigative Ophthalmology and Invasive Science" in August 2010, riboflavin plays a role in treating the fungal infections. In an in vitro study, three groups of fungi were selected from severe cases of fungal infections. The authors found that using riboflavin inhibited the growth of fungi.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant found in food products such as vegetable oil, meat, egg, green leafy vegetables and milk. According to the results of a study published in "Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy" in April 1977, the antioxidants enhance the antifungal activity of Amphotericin B, an antifungal agent prescribed for Candida infections.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health-care provider to learn more about vitamins, their safety, and the optimal dosage to help your condition. Keep in mind that vitamins should not be used to replace any conventional drugs recommended for fungal infections. Vitamins not approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat Candida infections.
References
- Drugs.com: Vitamin D
- "The Journal of Infectious Diseases" ; 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 modulates cytokine production induced by Candida albicans: impact of seasonal variation of immune responses; AO. Khou, January, 2011
- Drugs.com: Riboflavin
- "Investigative Ophthalmology and Invasive Science "; In Vitro Efficacy of Antifungal Treatment Using Riboflavin/UV-A (365 nm) Combination and Amphotericin B; A.Sauer et al; August, 2010
- "Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy "; Influence of Antioxidants on the Bioactivity of Amphotericin B.; FA.Andrews et al; April, 1977
- Drugs.com: Vitamin E
