Vitamin D and Psoriasis: What You Need to Know

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient, necessary for calcium absorption and good bone health. It also plays an important role in reducing inflammation and regulating immune responses in the body. Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease, so it stands to reason that vitamin D may have something to do with either the development or course of the condition.

Given the connection between low vitamin D levels and psoriasis, researchers have been investigating whether supplementing with the vitamin might help treat the disease. So far, the evidence has been mixed, and more research is necessary.

What Is a Healthy Vitamin D Level?

In the study, people with the fewest signs of psoriasis on their skin had average vitamin D levels of 67 nmol/L, compared with 56 nmol/L for participants with the most evidence of psoriasis on their skin. In addition, only 25 percent of people with the lowest amount of plaques were vitamin D deficient, versus 39 percent of the people with the highest number of plaques.

These results suggest that upping vitamin D levels would benefit people with psoriasis. But it’s not clear what those levels should be or what the best way is to achieve such levels.

“Maintaining vitamin D levels at a slightly higher threshold than typically recommended for the general population might be beneficial for individuals with psoriasis,” says Danilo Del Campo, MD, a dermatologist at Chicago Skin Clinic in Illinois. “However, the evidence to confirm this is not yet robust, and more studies are needed.”

Sources of Vitamin D

Vitamin D2 vs. Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is available in two forms: plant-derived vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 from animal-based foods (D3 is also produced when skin is exposed to sunlight). Supplements and fortified foods contain both vitamin D3 and vitamin D2.

Topical Vitamin D for Psoriasis

“Topical treatments for psoriasis often contain synthetic forms of vitamin D,” says Dr. Del Campo. “These compounds are adept at regulating the skin cell growth cycle, slowing the overproduction of skin cells and reducing the inflammation and scaling characteristic of psoriasis.”

That’s because vitamin D helps regulate the immune system, and when levels are low, an overactive immune response may lead to rapid skin cell turnover, a defining feature of psoriasis, Del Campo says. Reduced sun exposure because of physical discomfort or concerns about how psoriasis looks can also contribute to lower vitamin D levels, Del Campo adds.

Phototherapy and Vitamin D

Should Everyone With Psoriasis Take a Vitamin D Supplement?

Deirdre Hooper, MD, cofounder of Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans, recommends that everyone with psoriasis take a daily 600 milligram vitamin D supplement.

“It definitely makes sense for psoriasis patients to check their vitamin D levels, and if low, definitely supplement,” says Dr. Kamangar. But if lab levels are normal, it’s unclear how much vitamin D supplements will help, she adds.

While low levels of vitamin D are associated with psoriasis, it is also possible to get too much vitamin D, which can cause high blood calcium levels and raise the risk of heart disease. It’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting on any supplements.

• If you're living with psoriasis, low vitamin D levels have been linked to more severe symptoms.
• While boosting vitamin D might help, the best approach — whether through diet, sunlight, or other means — requires more research and should be tailored to your personal health needs.
• Consider speaking with your healthcare provider to check if your vitamin D is at an optimal level for managing psoriasis.