Scientists have long suspected a connection between gut bacteria and vitiligo, a condition causing skin pigmentation loss. While previous research hinted at a relationship, it wasn’t clear whether gut bacteria played a direct role. Now, a new study using Mendelian randomization has shed light on the issue. By analyzing data from multiple studies, researchers identified specific gut bacteria that may protect against or increase the risk of vitiligo.

Protective & Risk-Associated Bacteria

• Protective Bacteria: Common probiotics like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli were found to reduce the risk of vitiligo.
• Risk-Associated Bacteria: The genus Ruminococcaceae UCG004 was linked to a higher risk of vitiligo, with evidence suggesting a bidirectional relationship between this bacteria and the condition.

How Diet Shapes Gut Bacteria

The study highlighted how diet can impact gut bacteria relevant to vitiligo:

• Bread: May decrease bacteria protective against vitiligo.
• Red Wine: Could lower levels of potentially harmful bacteria.
• Hard Alcohol: Reduces beneficial bacteria in the gut.
• Tea: Might increase bacteria associated with vitiligo risk.
• Raw Vegetables and Salad: Can raise levels of bacteria linked to vitiligo.

Foods that Boost Beneficial Gut Bacteria

1. Whole Grains. Consuming whole grains, especially those high in fiber, can boost beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus/Enterococcus. These foods contain complex carbohydrates that gut microbes ferment into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have various health benefits.
2. Protein Sources. A collagen-rich diet may protect skin from aging and accelerate wound healing. Whey and pea proteins can reduce harmful bacteria while increasing beneficial microbes like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
3. Probiotics. Probiotic strains such as Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus can prevent harmful bacteria colonization, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health by restoring its barrier and reducing sensitivity.

What This Means for Vitiligo

This study reinforces the role of gut bacteria in the development and progression of vitiligo. Adjusting your diet to encourage a healthy gut microbiome may help reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and minimize vitiligo lesions.

Before making significant dietary changes, individuals with vitiligo should consult healthcare professionals to ensure personalized and effective approaches to managing the condition.

These findings are not the ultimate truth and should be considered alongside other research. However, they generally support conclusions from previous studies, such as:

• The Skinny on Fats: How Your Diet Might Affect Vitiligo
• Impact of Diet and Nutrition on Vitiligo

Dig Deeper

• Is there a special diet for vitiligo?
• Relationship Between Smoking and Vitiligo
• Is there a traditional medicine to treat vitiligo?

 

Based on: Identification of dietary factors that impact the gut microbiota associated with vitiligo: A Mendelian randomization study and meta-analysis