The Role of Diet and Supplements in Vitiligo Management

Pearl E Grimes; Rama Nashawati

doi:10.1016/j.det.2016.11.012

The Role of Diet and Supplements in Vitiligo Management

Dermatol Clin. 2017 Apr;35(2):235-243. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2016.11.012.

Authors

Pearl E Grimes¹, Rama Nashawati²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Dermatology, Vitiligo & Pigmentation Institute of Southern California, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Vitiligo & Pigmentation Institute of Southern California, 5670 Wilshire Boulevard, #650, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA. Electronic address: pegrimesmd@aol.com.
² Vitiligo & Pigmentation Institute of Southern California, 5670 Wilshire Boulevard, #650, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA.

PMID: 28317532
DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2016.11.012

Abstract

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that involves the interplay between oxidative stress and the immune system. Preliminary observations suggest that the presence of gluten in the diet may play a role in vitiligo development in some patients, but to date vitiligo-specific diets have not been studied. The role of oral supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and botanicals, is increasingly being investigated as adjuncts to conventional medical treatment due to their antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity. Studies suggest that many of these agents may have some efficacy as monotherapy, but more often as adjuncts to topical agents and phototherapy.

Keywords: Autoimmune disease; EGCG; Ginkgo biloba; Oxidative stress; Polypodium leucotomos; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Vitiligo.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Combined Modality Therapy
Diet Therapy*
Diet, Gluten-Free
Dietary Supplements*
Humans
Phototherapy*
Plant Preparations / therapeutic use*
Vitamins / therapeutic use*
Vitiligo / therapy*

Substances

Plant Preparations
Vitamins