Vitamin D has recently been in the news due to its numerous health benefits, including bone strength (it helps your body use the calcium you need for strong bones) and cardiac health. Psoriasis has been treated with vitamin D ointment for many years.
Consequently, you may question if adding vitamin D to your diet through foods or vitamin supplements could also aid in the management of your psoriasis. Here’s what you should know before consuming excessive amounts of vitamin D.
Vitamin D Obtained Naturally
Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D is not abundant in dietary sources. Oily fish, such as salmon and mackerel, and foods fortified with vitamin D are sources of vitamin D. The most prevalent vitamin D-enriched foods are milk, citrus juice, and certain breakfast cereals.
Vitamin D is unique in that your epidermis can synthesize it when exposed to sufficient sunlight. A dearth of sunlight is one of the reasons why many northern residents and individuals who spend little time outdoors have low vitamin D levels. Recent research indicates that many individuals, particularly seniors, have insufficient vitamin D levels.
Heal Psoriasis With Vitamin D Medication
Frequently, psoriasis treatment begins with lotions and ointments that are applied to the skin. Studies demonstrate that vitamin D ointment is as effective as corticosteroid-based topical anti-inflammatory medications. A combination of the two prescription medications is even more effective. Calcipotriène (Dovonex) is one example of a vitamin D ointment. Plaques of psoriasis, inflamed patches of skin covered with silvery scales, are typically treated twice daily.
Consult Your Doctor Concerning Vitamin D Supplements
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. According to some studies, individuals with other autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, tend to have insufficient vitamin D levels. Vitamin D supplements may be beneficial for those with an autoimmune disorder.
We also know that ultraviolet light exposure decreases the aberrant immune response in psoriasis and boosts vitamin D production. Phototherapy, also known as ultraviolet light therapy, is a common and effective psoriasis treatment.
Although vitamin D supplements may aid your condition, there is currently insufficient evidence for physicians to recommend them as part of a psoriasis treatment plan. However, while there may not be sufficient evidence to suggest that taking a vitamin D supplement is beneficial for psoriasis, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that it is beneficial for a variety of other health issues. Vitamin D may aid in the prevention of other autoimmunity-related conditions, heart disease, infections, and certain tumors. Numerous physicians now recommend a daily vitamin D supplement, along with calcium and a multivitamin, based on research indicating that many Americans have insufficient vitamin D. A straightforward blood test can determine if a deficiency exists.
Ask your doctor if consuming vitamin D supplements could be beneficial to your overall health. This is especially essential if you are already receiving vitamin D from a psoriasis ointment, as vitamin D toxicity is possible. More than 2,000 IU (international units) per day may cause undesirable adverse effects.
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Source: CNN
