Assessment of Dietary Supplementation in the Treatment of Vitiligo

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is the most common acquired pigmentary disorder in the world. Due to alterations in physical appearance, vitiligo is a psychologically devastating disease. Although treatment options exist, a cure for this disease has yet to be discovered. Of recent interest in vitiligo is the relationship between diet and disease. Objective: To review various dietary modifications and supplementation used in the management of vitiligo. Materials and Methods: A thorough evaluation of recent literature using the keywords “vitiligo, diet, supplement, antioxidant, vitamin, mineral, zinc, copper, gluten-free, celiac disease, alternative medicine” in the NCBI PubMed search function was performed. Results: A total of 39 relevant articles were reviewed and critically evaluated. Conclusion: Initial studies regarding the treatment of vitiligo through dietary modification are promising, although further studies are needed in multiple populations to explore the therapeutic value of these interventions.