Which Vitamins Are Good for Psoriasis?

Nutrition plays a vital role in managing psoriasis. Many people with the condition turn to supplemental vitamins to help reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and ease symptoms. For example, vitamin D, B12, and omega-3 fatty acids help promote healthy skin and minimize psoriasis flare-ups.

Though vitamins may help manage psoriasis symptoms, they are not a cure and should not replace standard treatments prescribed by your healthcare provider. This article discusses the benefits and risks of vitamins for psoriasis and how to find a high-quality supplement.

Reasons to Supplement With Vitamins for Psoriasis

Standard psoriasis treatments can help control condition symptoms, but psoriasis can be unpredictable, and flare-ups can occur even when taking medications. Many people with the condition turn to dietary changes, supplements, and alternative therapies to help improve their skin health, reduce joint pain, and reduce the risk of complications. 

Along with eating a healthy diet, people with psoriasis may choose to supplement with vitamins for several reasons, including: 

• Reduce inflammation
• Improve immune function
• Promote healthy skin
• Reduce nutritional deficiency
• Compensate for unbalanced dietary habits

Which Vitamins Are Good for Psoriasis?

Supplementing with vitamins may help alleviate psoriasis symptoms and lower the risk of comorbidities associated with the condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular disease. Researchers investigating the potential benefits of vitamins for psoriasis have found the following vitamins beneficial for some people with the condition: 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble (absorbed by fat) vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium and maintain bone health. It also plays a role in regulating the immune system. Low vitamin D levels are linked to an increased risk of psoriasis and more severe symptoms in people with the condition. Studies show that vitamin D supplements can help reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms.

Many dermatologists prescribe supplemental oral and topical vitamin D to treat nail and scalp psoriasis, flatten thick psoriasis patches, and slow skin cell growth to prevent itchy, scaly skin. Along with supplemental vitamin D, ultraviolet B (UVB) light therapy is often used to treat psoriasis, as it can increase vitamin D levels in the body.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant in the body. It helps to protect cells from damage and reduces inflammation. Vitamin E deficiency is common in people with psoriasis, and research shows that vitamin E supplementation can significantly improve symptoms, helping reduce itching, redness, and inflammation associated with the condition.

Vitamin A 

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a role in maintaining healthy skin and supporting the immune system. The two types of vitamin A consumed through diet are:

• Retinoids: Found in animal-derived foods such as meat, fish, and dairy
• Caroretinoids: Provitamin A: Found in plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables

Research shows that vitamin A deficiency is common in people with psoriasis, which may contribute to the development of the disease and increase the risk of fungal infections on the skin. Retinoids derived from vitamin A are often prescribed to treat severe psoriasis, which helps slow the growth of skin cells and reduce redness and swelling. 

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble (dissolved in water) vitamin that plays an essential role in forming red blood cells, protein metabolism, and maintaining nervous system function.

Topical vitamin B12 cream applied directly to the skin has been shown to soothe itchiness and reduce the redness and swelling of psoriasis patches on the skin. There is not enough evidence to determine whether oral supplementation of B12 can help reduce psoriasis symptoms, but supplementing with B12 may help decrease a deficiency in those who do not consume enough B12 through diet alone. 

Other Nutrients for Psoriasis 

In addition to vitamins, other nutrients may help manage psoriasis symptoms. The research on other nutrients for psoriasis is mixed, but some have shown benefits, including the following:

• Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish (like salmon, black cod, and anchovies) and fish oil supplements are essential fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties and offer itch relief, and reduce scaling and redness.
• Selenium is a mineral helps maintain a healthy immune system and reduces inflammation. Studies suggest it may be beneficial for certain types of psoriasis (e.g., erythrodermic psoriasis) but not for others (e.g., plaque psoriasis).
• Probiotics are live microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeast, similar to beneficial microorganisms in the human gut. One study found that people with psoriasis who took a probiotic supplement significantly reduced skin redness, scaling, and itching compared to those who did not.

Vitamins to Use With Caution

Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any vitamins or other dietary supplements, especially if you take prescription medications to manage psoriasis or other health conditions. Your healthcare provider can advise you on the potential side effects and interactions of the supplements you are considering. 

Vitamins From Food for Psoriasis

Eating a balanced, psoriasis-friendly diet is the best way to get nutrients that help manage psoriasis and support your overall health. Foods rich in specific vitamins and minerals are particularly beneficial for people with psoriasis, such as:

• Fatty fish
• Leafy green vegetables
• Berries
• Nuts and seeds
• Whole grains
• Low-fat dairy

Foods to Eat in Moderation 

Certain foods may be best consumed in moderation when managing psoriasis, as they can lead to inflammation and aggravate symptoms. These include:

• Alcohol
• Gluten-containing foods
• Processed foods
• Red meat

Everyone’s body is different, and what causes a flare-up in one person may not affect another. Monitor how you feel after eating certain foods and note which foods seem to trigger psoriasis flare-ups or worsen symptoms so you can avoid them in the future.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider 

Before you change your diet or start taking vitamins or other dietary supplements, talk with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can work with you to: 

• Determine if you have a deficiency in any specific vitamin or mineral 
• Determine if a particular supplement or vitamin may interact with your current medications
• Find the appropriate dosage of vitamins and nutritional supplements based on your particular needs
• Monitor for potential side effects 
• Help create a diet plan tailored to your specific needs 

First-Line Treatment 

Various treatment options are available for psoriasis. The treatment your healthcare provider recommends will depend on the severity of the condition, where psoriasis is located on the body, and your overall health. Common first-line treatments for psoriasis include:

• Topical treatments: corticosteroids, coal tar, salicylic acid, or vitamin D 
• Phototherapy: Light therapy, often used in combination with topical treatments
• Systemic medications: methotrexate, Soriatane (acitretin), or Cequa (cyclosporine)
• Biologic drugs: Humira (adalimumab), Enbrel (etanercept), and Stelara (ustekinumab)
• Lifestyle modifications: Stress management, smoking cessation, eating a healthy diet, and weight loss

Finding Quality Vitamins 

Finding quality vitamins can be challenging, and the supplement market can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you find high-quality vitamins:

• Look for third-party testing by independent organizations, such as USP (US Pharmacopeia) or NSF International.
• Look for vitamins manufactured in facilities certified for their good manufacturing practices (GMP).
• Check the label's recommended dosage and ensure it is within the recommended range.
• Carefully read the label and check the ingredients list.
• Choose vitamins from brands with a good reputation for producing high-quality products.
• Consult a healthcare provider before taking any vitamins to ensure they are safe and appropriate.

Summary 

Vitamins and supplements may help manage psoriasis symptoms. Vitamin D, fish oil, and probiotics may help reduce inflammation and improve skin health in people with psoriasis. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any vitamins or supplements since they may interact with your current medications or have side effects.