Vitamin D and Vitiligo

It is believed that there is a linkage between vitamin D and vitiligo in our body. Deficiency of vitamin D could trigger Vitiligo and can also cause the disease to worsen.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin which is produced in the skin after exposure to UVB light and occurs naturally in a small range of foods. Mainly there are two major physiologically relevant forms of vitamin D, vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 but the form of greatest importance to humans is vitamin D3. The major source of vitamin D for humans is sunlight and approximately 90% of the vitamin D comes from this source. It is essential for the absorption of Calcium and phosphorus.

The potential to develop vitiligo and other autoimmune disorders is believed to increase with the deficiency of vitamin D. The symptoms and the prognosis of vitiligo can be significantly improved by maintaining the adequate levels of vitamin D.

To ensure adequate level of vitamin D one must take 5,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day for 2–3 months. Mainly there are three main ways for maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D: (i) Sunlight, (ii) Food, and (iii) Vitamin D supplement.

Approximately 20 to 30 minutes of sun exposure will produce 20,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D within 48 hours. Dietary sources of Vitamin D are egg yolk; ‘oily’ fish such as salmon & sardines, cod liver oil, Vitamin D fortified bread & cereals, or milk. Vitamin D supplements provide a good alternative source of vitamin D, although some people with certain conditions should not use vitamin D supplements at all without guidance from a physician, such as: primary parahyperthyroidism, sarcoidosis, the presence of kidney stones, unexplained hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency or kidney failure.

Hence it could be concluded that people with vitiligo should maintain adequate levels of vitamin D for improving their skin condition.