Some people find that certain foods may worsen their vitiligo symptoms or that others may improve their skin condition. We found no scientific evidence that a specific diet can prevent, ease symptoms, treat or cure vitiligo. It does not mean there is no possible link between nutrition and vitiligo, but the Diet-vs-Disease debate is too complex for simple generalizations. Investigators are just starting to look into the gut and skin microbiome of patients with vitiligo, and how it differs from the general population.

An essential matter for anyone suffering from vitiligo, is to ensure well-balanced, low-fat and high-fiber nutrition, supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, - similar to Mediterranean style food. Extracts of Gingko Biloba and Polipodium Leukotomas could be used to supplement an ongoing therapy or as a prophylaxis to minimnize disease recurrence.

Contrary to many beliefs, gluten-free diet has no lasting effect on vitiligo and isn't very healthy, either. But some people noted that avoiding gluten have temporarily eased their vitiligo symptoms. If you or someone in your family has a history of food allergies, you can give it a try. Two to three months of a gluten-restricted diet is enough to see if it can help your vitiligo. It is best to get a confirmed diagnosis before you start messing with diet.

While a special diet may support your health in some ways, it is more likely to be harmful because it may contain too much of certain vitamins or not enough of others.

• Common vitamin deficiencies in people with autoimmune conditions like vitiligo include folic acid, B-12, copper and zinc. However, vitiligo is not caused by a vitamin deficiency and therefore cannot be cured by vitamins alone.
• Vitamin supplements can have an opposite effect: for example, an excessive intake of Vitamin C can worsen vitiligo symptoms, so keep it at normal levels. It is recommended that people with vitiligo keep Vitamin D levels in the upper range of normal, with exception of conditions causing fat malabsorption.

These suggestions haven't been confirmed by rigorous studies yet. Each person’s needs vary so much with the season, habitat, latitude, skin type, genetic background, personal health history, religion, and so much else that it’s impossible to provide a one-size-fits-all dietary recommendation. Make sure you talk to your doctor before making significant changes to your diet.

 

N.B.: Some research suggests that a daily dose of 35,000 IU is safe and effective in reducing vitiligo activity—if combined with restriction of dairy products and calcium-enriched foods, and minimum hydration of 2.5 L daily. The dose of vitamin D intake at which it becomes dangerous is not well-defined. Vitamin D intoxication occurs usually due to ingestion of massive doses Vitamin D preparations in the range of 50,000 to 1 million iU/d for many months or even years.

 

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