by Recent research has shed light on the role of diet and nutrition in the development and management of vitiligo. However, this topic is not new. Researchers have previously explored the potential of functional nutrition as an integrated approach to the treatment of vitiligo. Antioxidants and vitamin D derivatives have played a role in repigmentation, according to previous research.1
In a recently published systematic review, research aimed to explore the relationship between dietary factors and vitiligo, exploring possible implications for treatment and prevention strategies.
The systematic review, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology,2 Comprehensive searches were conducted on electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and PMC Europe, from June to July 2023. Researchers used specific search terms related to vitiligo, diet and nutrition interventions. Inclusion criteria included English-language studies focusing on human participants and the effect of diet on vitiligo from 2003 to 2023. The review prioritized case-control and cross-sectional study designs.
The screening process identified 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria, which included both case-control and cross-sectional designs. These studies investigated various dietary factors and their association with vitiligo across different age groups and genders.
In a case-control study Muczyńska et al. (2020) involving older adults, where there were more females than males, sample size less than 100, the authors found a significant association between exposure to heavy metals, especially Cadmium (Cd). , Lead (Pb), and Mercury (Hg), and adverse health outcomes. The study suggested that higher levels of these heavy metals were linked to increased health risks among the elderly population.
Similarly, Soltani et al. (2023) conducted a case-control study of younger adults, with more females than males, and reported an association between lower vitamin D levels and the health outcome they investigated. This suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for vitiligo in younger adults.
In another case-control study of younger adults, Singh et al. (2012) found that lower levels of folic acid, vitamin B12, and higher levels of homocysteine are associated with health outcomes. This suggests that deficiencies in these nutrients may contribute to the development of vitiligo in younger adults.
Mogaddam et al. (2017) conducted a cross-sectional study of younger adults and observed differences in zinc levels between groups, with a male predominance in both cases and controls, sample size greater than 100. The study suggested that zinc levels may be related to the zinc. loss of pigmentation.
In a cross-sectional study of younger adults, Rishehri et al. (2019) that fatty acids are associated with health outcomes. There were differences in gender distribution between case and control groups, with more females in cases and more males in controls with a sample size of more than 200.
Garg et al. (2019) conducted a cross-sectional study of younger adults with a sample size of less than 100 and reported an association between protein intake, having an adequate diet, and health outcomes. A relationship was also 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) conducted on female-predominant younger adults, the role of an incompatible diet. The modification of the diet was felt much more in the control group than in the group with vitiligo disease. However, the study did not specify a clear association with the health outcome.
The PSCC tool checklist scores showed a low risk of bias across all 14 studies, ensuring the quality and validity of the evidence synthesized in the review.
While certain dietary factors, such as heavy metals and vitamin D deficiency, may worsen the condition, others such as folic acid and zinc may have protective effects. Understanding these associations is essential to develop targeted interventions and dietary guidelines to support the management of vitiligo, wrote Hadi et al.
Potential study limitations, they noted, included the limited number of databases searched, the exclusion of randomized controlled trials in the review, and a small sample size.
“The interest in complementary medicine and natural approaches to combat diseases such as vitiligo, has generally grown in recent years. Although dietary interventions cannot be considered as independent therapy, they still make a case for use as appendix,” according to Hadi et al. “Many items containing antioxidants can be used in therapy for this disease, due to the pathological nature of the disease. More large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish strong evidence and protocols, and may help reduce make the dependence on pharmacological methods, 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. Accessed March 19, 2024. doi:10.1111/dth.12625
- Hadi Z, Kaur R, Parekh Z, et al. Exploring the influence of diet and nutrition on vitiligo: a systematic review of dietary factors and nutritional interventions. J Cosmet Dermatol. March 11, 2024. Accessed March 19, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16277
