Vitamins & Nutritional Supplements for Burns

Antioxidants may protect the skin from sunburn due to free radical–producing ultraviolet rays. Combinations of 1,000 to 2,000 IU per day of vitamin E and 2,000 to 3,000 mg per day of vitamin C, but neither given alone, have a significant protective effect against ultraviolet rays, according to double-blind studies. Oral synthetic beta-carotene alone was not found to provide effective protection in a recent double-blind study, it may be effective in combination with topical sunscreen. However, other carotenoids such as lycopene may be more important for ultraviolet protection. One recent uncontrolled trial found 40 grams per day of tomato paste providing 16 mg per day lycopene for 10 weeks protected against burning by ultraviolet rays. Another uncontrolled trial found 25 mg/day of natural mixed carotenoids also protected against ultraviolet radiation, especially when combined with 500 IU per day of vitamin E.

Double-blind research has also shown that topical application of antioxidants protects against sunburn if used before, but not after, exposure.

In a double-blind trial, daily intravenous administration of the trace minerals zinc, copper, and selenium to patients hospitalized with extensive burns significantly decreased the number of postburn infections and increased the rate of healing...