Recent research has shed light on the role of diet and nutrition in the development and treatment of vitiligo. However, this issue is not new. Researchers have previously explored the potential of functional nutrition as an integrated approach to vitiligo treatment. According to past research, antioxidants and vitamin D derivatives have played a role in repigmentation.one
In a recently published systematic review, researchers aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary factors and vitiligo, exploring potential implications for treatment and prevention strategies.
The systematic review was published at: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology,2 It involved a comprehensive search conducted from June to July 2023 in electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and European PMC. Researchers used specific search terms related to vitiligo, diet, and nutritional interventions. Inclusion criteria included English-language studies from 2003 to 2023 focusing on human participants and the effect of diet on vitiligo. Case-control and cross-sectional study designs were prioritized in the review.
The screening process identified 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria, including both case-control and cross-sectional designs. These studies investigated various nutritional factors and their associations with vitiligo in different age groups and genders.
In Muczyńska et al.’s (2020) case-control study involving older adults, with more women than men and a sample size of less than 100, the authors found significant associations between exposure to heavy metals, particularly Cadmium (Cd). , Lead (Pb) and Mercury (Hg) and adverse health consequences. The study suggested that higher levels of these heavy metals are linked to increased health risks in the older adult population.
Similarly, Soltani et al. (2023) conducted a case-control study on young adults in which women outnumbered men and reported an association between lower vitamin D levels and the health outcomes they investigated. This suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for vitiligo in young adults.
In another case-control study of young adults, Singh et al. (2012) found associations between low folic acid, vitamin B12 levels, and high homocysteine levels and health outcomes. This suggests that deficiencies in these nutrients may contribute to the development of vitiligo in young adults.
Mogaddam et al. (2017) conducted a cross-sectional study on young adults and observed differences in zinc levels between groups; there was male predominance in both cases and controls; The sample size was more than 100. The study suggested that zinc levels may be related to zinc levels. loss of pigmentation.
In a cross-sectional study of young adults, Rishehri et al. (2019) found associations between fatty acids and health outcomes. There were differences in gender distribution between cases and control groups; With sample sizes over 200, there were more women in cases and more men in controls.
Garg et al. (2019) conducted a cross-sectional study of young adults with a sample size of less than 100 and reported associations between protein intake, adequate nutrition, and health outcomes. A relationship has also been found between skipping breakfast and vitiligo. The study also had a predominantly female gender distribution.
In a pilot study with a sample size of less than 100, Kulkarni et al. (2016) mentioned the role of maladaptive nutrition in their study on young adults, mostly women. Modulation of the diet was felt significantly more in the control group than in the group with vitiligo disease. However, the study did not indicate a clear association with health outcomes.
CASP tool checklist scores indicated a low risk of bias across all 14 studies, ensuring the quality and validity of the evidence synthesized in the review.
While some nutritional factors, such as heavy metals and vitamin D deficiency, can worsen the condition, other factors, such as folic acid and zinc, may also have protective effects. Hadi et al wrote that understanding these relationships is crucial to developing targeted interventions and nutritional guidelines to support vitiligo management.
They noted that potential study limitations included the limited amount of databases searched, exclusion of randomized controlled trials in the review, and a small sample size.
“Interest in complementary medicines and natural approaches to combat diseases such as vitiligo has generally increased recently. Although dietary interventions cannot be considered as a stand-alone treatment, they still provide a reason to use them as adjuvants.” Hadi et al. “Due to the pathophysiological nature of the disease, many products containing antioxidants can be used in the treatment of this disease. Larger-scale clinical studies are needed to establish strong evidence and protocols, and may also help reduce dependence on pharmacological methods, which come with their own adverse effect profiles.”
References
- Di Nardo V, Barygina V, França K, Tirant M, Valle Y, Lotti T. Functional nutrition as an integrated approach in the management of vitiligo. Dermatol Ther. 2019; 32(4):e12625. Access date: 19 March 2024. doi:10.1111/dth.12625
- Hadi Z, Kaur R, Parekh Z, et al. Investigating the impact of diet and nutrition on vitiligo: A systematic review of dietary factors and nutritional interventions. J Cosmet Dermatol. 11 March 2024. Access date: 19 March 2024. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16277