Antioxidants' mixed results on eczemaRemarkable success of antioxidant treatment (selenomethionine and vitamin E) to a 34-year old patient with posterior subcapsular cataract, keratoconus, severe atopic eczema and asthma.
Limited assessment of isolated effects
We explored the effects of an antioxidant treatment combining selenomethionine and vitamin E on a young adult suffering from various conditions, including severe atopic eczema. This patient, at just 34 years old, also experienced a posterior subcapsular cataract, keratoconus, and asthma, showcasing the complexity of his health situation.
The study focused on understanding how selenium, in conjunction with other treatments, could alleviate eczema symptoms among the other health issues presented. However, we noted that the evaluation primarily emphasized the general benefits of this antioxidant treatment regimen rather than isolating the specific effects of selenium on eczema itself.
It is important to be clear that the findings do not provide conclusive evidence on selenium's effectiveness for eczema alone. Instead, they suggest potential benefits when used as part of a broader treatment strategy, which may be insightful for individuals looking for holistic approaches to managing similar health concerns.
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We explored the use of intraruminal devices containing zinc oxide, designed to prevent facial eczema in sheep while also addressing trace element deficiencies. Specifically, we looked at how adding selenium and cobalt to these devices might improve the health of pregnant ewes by monitoring changes in blood selenium and serum Vitamin B12 levels.
The devices we tested included 16.4 mg of selenium, in the form of sodium selenate, and 20.4 mg of cobalt, provided as cobalt sulfate. Our findings revealed that these devices were effective in raising and sustaining higher blood selenium levels for at least 84 days, with notable increases in serum Vitamin B12 for up to 42 days.
This dual action means that the devices not only offer protection against facial eczema but also help prevent trace element deficiencies in sheep, demonstrating a valuable approach for improving overall animal health.
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We observed the effects of deep-sea water consumption on patients with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) to understand how it may impact skin health and mineral balance. Our study involved 33 individuals who drank Amami no Mizu, a type of deep-sea water, for six months. We monitored the levels of essential and toxic minerals in their hair and assessed changes in their skin symptoms.
The results were intriguing. While we noted a decrease in potassium levels among the participants, selenium levels increased significantly after they consumed the deep-sea water. Importantly, we also found a reduction in toxic minerals like mercury and lead. Furthermore, the skin condition improved in 27 out of 33 patients, indicating a potential benefit of mineral balance in managing eczema symptoms.
However, it's essential to note that while the selenium levels rose, the study did not specifically isolate its impact on eczema. Instead, it focused on the overall effect of deep-sea water. Consequently, while we saw promising results regarding skin improvement, we cannot definitively conclude that selenium alone is a cure for eczema.
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We conducted an intriguing study to see how selenium supplementation could affect individuals with atopic dermatitis, a common form of eczema. For this research, we enlisted 60 adults and divided them into three groups in a randomised double-blind manner. One group received 600 micrograms of selenium on its own, another group took 600 micrograms of selenium along with 600 IU of vitamin E, while the third group received a placebo.
After 12 weeks of supplementation, we noted significant increases in selenium levels in the blood as well as improved activity of an important enzyme that relies on selenium in two of the groups. However, we did not see any meaningful improvement in the severity of eczema symptoms across the groups. This indicates that even though the selenium-enriched yeast was absorbed well by the body, it did not seem to effectively reach the skin or lead to any noticeable benefits for those dealing with eczema.
Overall, despite promising indications of selenium uptake, our findings suggest that selenium supplementation alone—whether taken with vitamin E or not—does not provide a worthwhile enhancement in managing atopic dermatitis.
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