Vitamin D for Psoriasis
B Good Evidence At least one randomized trial supports this, with mostly consistent results.Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with increased psoriasis severity. Research suggests supplementation (1,000-4,000 IU/day) may support skin immune regulation via vitamin D receptor-mediated keratinocyte differentiation.
The Bottom Line
Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with increased psoriasis severity. Research suggests supplementation (1,000-4,000 IU/day) may support skin immune regulation via vitamin D receptor-mediated keratinocyte differentiation.
Key Study Findings
Population: Saudi patients with vitiligo (573)
Population: General population (skin health review)
Population: Coeliac disease or merely presence of coeliac-specific antibodies
Population: None
Population: UK Biobank participants (332,984)
Key Statistics
16
Studies
2200
Participants
Positive
Grade
Referenced Papers
Dosage & Usage
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units
Commonly Used Dosages
- general:
- 600-800 IU/day (RDA)
- skinhealth:
- 1,000-4,000 IU/day (targeting 30-50 ng/mL serum 25(OH)D)
Upper limit: 4,000 IU/day (IOM); many experts consider up to 10,000 IU/day safe
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | -- | Neutral | 573 |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| 14 nutritional compounds (vitamins, minerals, etc.) | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| Vitamin D (25OHD, genetically predicted) | -- | Positive | 332984 |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| 2000 IU/day vitamin D + 1g/day omega-3 | 260 weeks | Positive | 25871 |
Best taken: With meals containing fat for better absorption
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses
- ⚠ Hypercalcemia at very high doses (nausea, vomiting, weakness)
- ⚠ Kidney stones (rare, at excessive doses)
Known Interactions
- ● Thiazide diuretics (may increase calcium levels)
- ● Corticosteroids (may reduce vitamin D absorption)
- ● Orlistat and cholestyramine (reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins)
- ● Calcipotriene (additive vitamin D effect)
Tolerable upper intake: 4,000 IU/day (IOM); many experts consider up to 10,000 IU/day safe
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vitamin D help with Psoriasis?
How much Vitamin D should I take for Psoriasis?
Are there side effects of Vitamin D?
How strong is the evidence for Vitamin D and Psoriasis?
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Psoriasis
Vitamin D for other conditions
References
- [1] Mohammed Ibrahim AlJasser. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2024. Vitiligo: Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics in 573 Saudi Patients. doi:10.2147/CCID.S499794 PubMed
- [2] Yuting Cao et al.. Skin Res Technol. 2024. Association of vitamin D with risk of warts: A retrospective and Mendelian randomization study. doi:10.1111/srt.13911 PubMed
- [3] Jacek Januszewski et al.. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023. Nutritional Supplements for Skin Health-A Review of What Should Be Chosen and Why. doi:10.3390/medicina60010068 PubMed
- [4] Sizheng Steven Zhao et al.. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2023. Associations between vitamin D and autoimmune diseases: Mendelian randomization analysis. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2023.152238 PubMed
- [5] Yilan Zeng et al.. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2023. The Role of VD/VDR Signaling Pathway in Autoimmune Skin Diseases. doi:10.2174/1389557523666221124123206 PubMed
- [6] Charlotte Näslund-Koch et al.. Ugeskr Laeger. 2023. [Not Available]. PubMed
- [7] Jill Hahn et al.. BMJ. 2022. Vitamin D and marine omega 3 fatty acid supplementation and incident autoimmune disease: VITAL randomized controlled trial. doi:10.1136/bmj-2021-066452 PubMed
- [8] Sofia Nogueira et al.. Dermatol Ther. 2022. Tapinarof for the treatment of psoriasis. doi:10.1111/dth.15931 PubMed
- [9] R Z Conic et al.. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020. Comorbidities in pediatric alopecia areata. doi:10.1111/jdv.16727 PubMed
- [10] Elio Kechichian et al.. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018. Vitamin D and the Skin: An Update for Dermatologists. doi:10.1007/s40257-017-0323-8 PubMed
- [11] Meagen McCusker et al.. Clin Dermatol. 2016. Nutrition and skin: Kids are not just little people. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.07.004 PubMed
- [12] Jillian W Millsop et al.. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014. Diet and psoriasis, part III: role of nutritional supplements. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2014.03.016 PubMed
- [13] Heidi Wat et al.. J Cutan Med Surg. 2014. Off-label uses of topical vitamin D in dermatology: a systematic review. doi:10.2310/7750.2013.13109 PubMed
- [14] Michael P Pender. Autoimmune Dis. 2012. CD8+ T-Cell Deficiency, Epstein-Barr Virus Infection, Vitamin D Deficiency, and Steps to Autoimmunity: A Unifying Hypothesis. doi:10.1155/2012/189096 PubMed
- [15] Kelly M Luba et al.. Am Fam Physician. 2006. Chronic plaque psoriasis. PubMed
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