Vitamin D could ease the agony of psoriasis

By Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, July 25, 2023 (HealthDay News) — People with psoriasis may want to have their vitamin D levels checked.

New research suggests that blood levels of the so-called “sunshine vitamin” may affect the severity of their condition. In psoriasis, skin cells accumulate and form dry, itchy and sometimes painful patches.

While synthetic vitamin D creams are an emerging therapy, the study suggests that a vitamin D-rich diet or oral supplements may also improve psoriasis symptoms, said Rachel Limstudy author and MD candidate at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School.

If the role of vitamin D can be proven after further study, “it may present a very accessible and safe addition to the treatment regimen for the millions of Americans with psoriasis,” Lim said.

About 8 million Americans suffer from psoriasis.

For the study, researchers analyzed 491 cases in a US national health and nutrition survey, including 162 from 2003 to 2006 and 329 from 2011 to 2014.

Their analysis found that lower vitamin D levels and deficiency were significantly associated with more severe psoriasis.

Patients with the highest average vitamin D levels had the least psoriasis-affected skin. Those with the most affected area had the lowest average vitamin D levels.

How much vitamin D a person should consume is unclear.

“Although we can’t speak to optimal vitamin D intake, there are current recommendations for safe amounts of vitamin D supplementation to avoid toxicity,” Lim said. “People may want to talk to their doctor about starting vitamin D supplementation safely.”

There could also be other contributors to a person’s psoriasis. Skin pigment inhibits vitamin D synthesis, Lim said. And psoriasis affects many people with darker skin.

“Coupled with socioeconomic factors and barriers to appropriate care, we might mistakenly attribute the increasing severity of psoriasis that we saw with lower vitamin D levels only to lower vitamin D levels, instead of more complex societal constructs impeding care,” Lim said.

The study points out that a drop in vitamin D is associated with worsening psoriasis and that supplementation could help, said Dr. Deirdre Hooper, a dermatologist at Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans. Hooper was not involved in the study.

“Are we to assume that everyone with psoriasis should take a vitamin D supplement, regardless of their blood level?” she said. “I think that’s an unanswered question, but I think what I’ll probably do based on the study is suggest that my patients with psoriasis take a vitamin D supplement.”

While vitamin D appears to improve a person’s psoriasis, it may also help with some associated health issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure, Hooper said.

The sun is a major source of vitamins, but it’s not guaranteed to get all the vitamin D you need from the sun because its UV rays can cause skin cancer.

And, Hooper said, while a person can get enough nutrients through diet, “the best way to get vitamin D is to take a supplement.”

Some foods that contain vitamin D are fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, and egg yolks. Some fortified foods like cereal, milk, and orange juice also contain this nutrient.

But be aware that food sources may not be reliable, as the amount of vitamin D in a particular food can vary.

If a person has psoriasis and has not received medical attention, Hooper recommends seeing a dermatologist.

Psoriasis can affect a person’s daily life and potentially interfere with sleep.

A variety of treatments are available, including creams, light therapy, and oral and injectable medications.

“It’s constantly evolving, which is great because it’s a common disease and it’s super frustrating and it’s associated with real systemic issues,” Hooper said.

Lim was expected to present his findings Tuesday at a meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Boston. Results presented at medical meetings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

The National Psoriasis Foundation has more on psoriasis.

SOURCES: Rachel Lim, MD candidate, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI; Deirdre Hooper, MD, dermatologist, Audubon Dermatology, New Orleans; presentation, American Society for Nutrition meeting, Boston, July 25, 2023

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