Psoriasis is skin condition characterized by itchy red plaques affecting various parts of the body, particularly scalp, elbows, knee, buttock and genital area. Various vitamins and minerals have been found to be beneficial for managing psoriasis, but if you are considering taking supplements for this condition, you should first talk to your health care provider.
Vitamin D
A derivative form of vitamin D-3, calcipotriol, is already part of the standard treatment of psoriasis, commonly use in combination with steroid ointments for two subtypes of psoriasis called plaque psoriasis and inverse psoriasis.
Vitamin A
Carotenoids, nutrients that belong to the vitamin A family, have antioxidant qualities and are naturally present in the skin tissue, according to a study published in the November 2010 issue of the "Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology." In this study, scientists found that the skin level of carotenoids was lower in patients with psoriasis. The study also noted that the severity of psoriasis was not correlated with the skin level of this vitamin.
Vitamin B-12
In a prospective clinical trial, a cream containing vitamin B-12 and avocado oil was found to be well tolerated and to have considerable potential in managing psoriasis. This study involved 13 participants who used this cream over a 12-week period and was published in 2001 in the journal "Dermatology." The researchers also found that the effects of creams based on vitamin B-12 had longer-lasting effects compared with ointments containing vitamin D.
Selenium
Blood levels of selenium in individuals who have had symptoms of psoriasis for more than three years is lower than in healthy individuals or those who have had the condition for less than 10 months. This is the result of a study that involved 84 subjects and was featured in the April 2003 issue of "Nutrition."
Magnesium
Dead Sea salts contain a variety of minerals and have been researched for possible benefits in managing psoriasis. A research study in the May 1996 issue of "Pharmacology" concluded that magnesium salts and to a lesser degree sodium and potassium salts from the Dead Sea have beneficial effects on psoriasis. The researchers further explained that magnesium and other minerals from Dead Sea salts inhibit the overgrowth of the skin cells.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health care provider to find out optimal dosage of vitamins and minerals that that may improve your condition. Keep in mind that nutrients do not replace standard medication prescribed for psoriasis. Except the vitamin-D-related calcipotriol, vitamins and minerals are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat psoriasis.
References
- Merck Manual: Psoriasis
- "Nutrition"; Selenium Status in Psoriasis and Its Relations to the Duration and Severity of the Disease; AB. Servin et al; April, 2003
- "Pharmacology"; Inhibition of Proliferation of Psoriatic and Healthy Fibroblasts in Cell Culture by Selected Dead-sea Salts; Levy-Schaffer et al; May, 1996
- "Dermatology"; Vitamin B(12) Cream Containing Avocado Oil in the Therapy of Plaque Psoriasis; M.Stucker et al; 2001
- "Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology"; Skin Carotenoid Levels in Adult Patients with Psoriasis; X. Lima et al; November, 2010
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