Protocol · Autoimmune & Inflammatory
Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) Supportive Care Protocol
Vitamin D and Omega-3 Fatty Acids are the core of this stack, with 6 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) Supportive Care.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
8 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (target 40–60 ng/mL) | Deficiency common in scleroderma; immunomodulatory effects may help modulate autoimmune response | Not graded yet | ||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–4 g EPA+DHA daily | Anti-inflammatory effects; may help with vascular symptoms and reduce fibrosis progression | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | Amount listed: 600–1,200 mg twice daily | Antioxidant and mucolytic; may protect against oxidative damage and help with pulmonary involvement | Not graded yet | ||
| Probiotics | Amount listed: 20–50 billion CFU multi-strain daily | Support gut health; GI dysmotility common in scleroderma; may help with SIBO | Not graded yet | ||
| Coenzyme Q10 | Amount listed: 100–200 mg daily | Antioxidant that supports mitochondrial function; may help with fatigue and cardiac involvement | Not graded yet | ||
| Ginkgo Biloba | Amount listed: 120–240 mg standardized extract daily | May improve peripheral circulation; potential benefit for Raynaud's phenomenon | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin E | Amount listed: 400 IU daily (mixed tocopherols) | Antioxidant that may help protect against oxidative damage in skin and vessels | Not graded yet | ||
| L-Arginine | Amount listed: 3–6 g daily in divided doses | Nitric oxide precursor; may help with vascular symptoms and Raynaud's | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis). If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by hardening and thickening of the skin and connective tissues. It can also affect internal organs including the lungs, heart, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. There are two main types: limited (affecting mainly skin of hands, face, and feet) and diffuse (more widespread skin involvement and higher risk of organ complications). Key features include Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers turning white then blue in cold), skin tightening, and various organ manifestations.
CRITICAL: Scleroderma requires comprehensive multidisciplinary care including rheumatology, pulmonology, cardiology, and gastroenterology depending on organ involvement. There is no cure, but treatments exist for specific manifestations: calcium channel blockers for Raynaud's, immunosuppressants for lung fibrosis (mycophenolate, nintedanib), ACE inhibitors for renal crisis, proton pump inhibitors for reflux, and prokinetics for GI dysmotility. Early detection and treatment of organ involvement is crucial. These supplements may provide supportive benefit but do not replace disease-specific medications. Always work with your scleroderma specialist.
Vitamin D* deficiency is very common in scleroderma and has been associated with more severe disease. Vitamin D has immunomodulatory effects and maintaining adequate levels supports bone health (important given reduced activity and possible steroid use).
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* have anti-inflammatory effects and may help with vascular manifestations. Some research suggests they could help with Raynaud's and potentially slow fibrosis progression.
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)* is an antioxidant that may help protect against the oxidative stress seen in scleroderma. It's also a mucolytic, which may help if there's pulmonary involvement.
Probiotics* can help manage the gastrointestinal symptoms common in scleroderma, including bloating and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Coenzyme Q10* supports mitochondrial function and may help with the profound fatigue common in scleroderma.
Ginkgo Biloba* may improve peripheral circulation and provide some benefit for Raynaud's phenomenon.
Vitamin E* is an antioxidant that may help protect skin and blood vessels.
L-Arginine* is a nitric oxide precursor that may help with vascular symptoms.
Expected timeline: Supplements provide ongoing support. Raynaud's management is lifelong. Disease course varies - some stabilize, others progress. Regular monitoring for organ involvement is essential.