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Cold Sore Prevention Vitamins

Your diet plays a major factor in the frequency at which you endure cold sore outbreaks. Maintaining a strong immune system and healthy skin is essential in preventing cold sores, and creating a diet focused around the right vitamins will help greatly.

  1. Vitamin C

    • Vitamin C can activate white blood cells and produce a natural antiviral agent. It increases resistance to stress and fatigue and improves oxygenation of the body. Take 1,000 milligrams at the first sign of an outbreak; then follow up with 1,500 milligrams, taken over three doses for one or two days.

    Zinc

    • Applying zinc topically on the cold sore will provide pain relief, and taking it orally will speed up healing. Follow packaging instructions if you purchase an over-the-counter product to be applied directly to the sore. You can also get a healthy dosage of zinc orally in pill form. Zinc has antioxidant agents that strengthen the immune system and help build up your body's defenses. Take up to 60 mg for the first week, but don't take more than 15 mg at one time.

    Vitamin E

    • Vitamin E also increases the amount of white cells and lessens the production of liquids that suppress the immune system. It is a powerful antioxidant and protects your cells against the effects of free radicals. Sunflower seeds, products made from tomatoes and ready-to-eat cereals are all healthy sources of Vitamin E.

    Vitamin B-Complex

    • The B-Complex vitamins are always effective for healthy skin treatments. Try Vitamin B-6 or B-12 to help prevent cold sores. They help reduce stress, support the immune and nervous systems and promote beautiful and healthy skin. Bell peppers, turnip greens, garlic and tuna are excellent sources of Vitamin B-6, and mollusks, lamb and beef provide efficient amounts of Vitamin B-12.

    Vitamin A

    • Vitamin A increases resistance to infections and helps strengthen the immune system. A healthy dose is helpful in preventing cold sore outbreaks and other herpes infections. Taking an excessive amount can be damaging in certain conditions, including pregnancy, so check with your doctor before taking this vitamin regularly. Liver, spinach, sweet potatoes and milk are rich sources of Vitamin A.

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