Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that destroys cells that produce brown
pigment in the skin, causing the skin to change color. While there is no known
cure for vitiligo, studies involving vitamin treatment have provided mixed
results, leaving the question of what vitamins to take for vitiligo
unanswered.
Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid work closely together and it seems we need a balance of these nutrients.
Studies focusing on vitamin B-12 deficiencies and vitiligo show a high incidence of vitiligo among individuals with pernicious anemia, a condition that hinders B-12 absorption. Nevertheless, no recent studies indicate that supplementing vitamin B-12, or B-12 with folic acid, will help improve skin pigmentation.
Folic acid occurs naturally in green leafy vegetables, also yeast extract, offal and wholegrain cereals. In the UK, it is added to many foods, such as breakfast cereals and bread.
Evidence suggests that low levels of vitamin B12 could be a factor in vitiligo for a few people because there seems to be some association between vitiligo and pernicious anaemia, a condition in which people are deficient in vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is found in most animal products, milk and egg yolks.
Vitamin C is needed for the enzymes which are involved in skin pigmentation. It is found in vegetables and fruit, especially citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit and lemons).
Vitamin C is also an antioxidant; this means that it helps to maintain the body’s immune system. Other antioxidants include vitamins A and E, beta carotene, minerals such as selenium, copper and zinc.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is vital for bone health and it can also help to maintain a healthy immune system. About 90% of our requirement of vitamin D is made by the body from the effect of sunlight on the skin. Vitamin D can also be supplied by foods such as oily fish (e.g. mackerel, herring, salmon, sardines).
Beta carotene
Beta carotene is an antioxidant which is found in all dark green, orange and yellow vegetables and fruits, including carrots.
Minerals
Copper, iron and zinc all have a role in the pigmentation process.
Copper is particularly found in nuts, offal, wheat, bran and shellfish.
Iron is found naturally in red meat (especially liver), oily fish, pulse vegetables, dark green vegetables, tomatoes and dried fruit (especially apricots).
Zinc is found in seafood, meat and poultry, dairy products, nuts, peas, beans and pulse vegetables.
Vitamin and mineral supplements should not be necessary if you have a healthy, balanced diet. Supplements may be a good idea if you have a restricted diet, or if it is found that you have a specific deficiency. Keep to the recommended dose though…
Some vitamins, notably Vitamins A and D, are stored in the body. If you take too much of them, they can be toxic and make you feel ill. Vitamin C is not stored in the body and needs to be eaten daily, so there is no point having large doses of it.
You may like it :Vitamin C Effect On Vitiligo
Beijing CASU Vitiligo Hospital
Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid work closely together and it seems we need a balance of these nutrients.
Studies focusing on vitamin B-12 deficiencies and vitiligo show a high incidence of vitiligo among individuals with pernicious anemia, a condition that hinders B-12 absorption. Nevertheless, no recent studies indicate that supplementing vitamin B-12, or B-12 with folic acid, will help improve skin pigmentation.
Folic acid occurs naturally in green leafy vegetables, also yeast extract, offal and wholegrain cereals. In the UK, it is added to many foods, such as breakfast cereals and bread.
Evidence suggests that low levels of vitamin B12 could be a factor in vitiligo for a few people because there seems to be some association between vitiligo and pernicious anaemia, a condition in which people are deficient in vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is found in most animal products, milk and egg yolks.
Vitamin C is needed for the enzymes which are involved in skin pigmentation. It is found in vegetables and fruit, especially citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit and lemons).
Vitamin C is also an antioxidant; this means that it helps to maintain the body’s immune system. Other antioxidants include vitamins A and E, beta carotene, minerals such as selenium, copper and zinc.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is vital for bone health and it can also help to maintain a healthy immune system. About 90% of our requirement of vitamin D is made by the body from the effect of sunlight on the skin. Vitamin D can also be supplied by foods such as oily fish (e.g. mackerel, herring, salmon, sardines).
Beta carotene
Beta carotene is an antioxidant which is found in all dark green, orange and yellow vegetables and fruits, including carrots.
Minerals
Copper, iron and zinc all have a role in the pigmentation process.
Copper is particularly found in nuts, offal, wheat, bran and shellfish.
Iron is found naturally in red meat (especially liver), oily fish, pulse vegetables, dark green vegetables, tomatoes and dried fruit (especially apricots).
Zinc is found in seafood, meat and poultry, dairy products, nuts, peas, beans and pulse vegetables.
Vitamin and mineral supplements should not be necessary if you have a healthy, balanced diet. Supplements may be a good idea if you have a restricted diet, or if it is found that you have a specific deficiency. Keep to the recommended dose though…
Some vitamins, notably Vitamins A and D, are stored in the body. If you take too much of them, they can be toxic and make you feel ill. Vitamin C is not stored in the body and needs to be eaten daily, so there is no point having large doses of it.
You may like it :Vitamin C Effect On Vitiligo
Beijing CASU Vitiligo Hospital
