Many people with vitiligo explore vitamin and herbal supplements to address different needs — whether it’s correcting a deficiency, slowing the progression of their condition, or simply boosting overall health and quality of life.

Due to certain deficiencies often seen in some people living with vitiligo, you might consider incorporating the following vitamins and supplements into your treatment plan for their potential benefits:

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• Ginkgo biloba
• Minerals like zinc and copper
• Alpha-lipoic acid

While supplements can offer benefits, using them incorrectly may cause more harm than good. To learn more, MyVitiligoTeam consulted Dr. Pearl Grimes, director of the Vitiligo and Pigmentation Institute of Southern California and clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA.

Here are six essential facts about vitamin supplements, shared by health experts and people with vitiligo.

1. Vitamin D Promotes a Healthy Immune System

Vitamin D is of particular interest for people with autoimmune diseases like vitiligo. Dr. Grimes said she always checks vitamin D levels for people with vitiligo because it’s “such a major player in a healthy immune response.”

Vitamin D is known for keeping bones and teeth healthy but may also be important in protecting against certain types of autoimmune conditions. A study involving more than 25,000 people found that vitamin D supplementation reduced the likelihood of developing an autoimmune disease by around 22 percent.

Dr. Grimes explained, “I like healthy vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is so basic, and there are a few studies in the literature now showing that vitamin D can impact therapeutic outcomes for vitiligo.”

Sun exposure contributes to the skin’s production of vitamin D. However, getting enough vitamin D from sun exposure is not a good option due to the risk of sun damage and skin cancer. Additionally, if you’re undergoing ultraviolet B phototherapy (light therapy) for vitiligo, the light exposure may increase your vitamin D levels.

What MyVitiligoTeam Members Say About Vitamin D

Several members of MyVitiligoTeam have reported taking vitamin D to correct a deficiency.

One member shared, “Had my blood work done last week for my annual checkup, and my new doc actually called me to tell me that my vitamin D is low. She wants me to take 2,000 [international units] a day. As with many of us with vitiligo, I hardly sit in the sun at all, and if I do, it’s with my back to the sun since it’s mostly my face that’s affected by vitiligo.”

Your doctor can check your vitamin D status through a routine blood test to determine whether you’d benefit from supplementation.

2. Many People With Vitiligo Have B12 and Folic Acid Deficiency

Research has shown that some people with vitiligo are more likely to have a higher rate of deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folic acid, along with conditions like thyroid dysfunction and diabetes. While these deficiencies are common, establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship with vitiligo is challenging. No specific vitamin deficiency is currently known to directly cause vitiligo.

Additionally, studies have not consistently demonstrated a benefit from taking B12 or folic acid supplements in those with vitiligo who do not have these deficiencies.

3. Supplements and Vitamins Are Not FDA-Approved

Many people with vitiligo experiment with vitamins and herbal supplements that they believe will benefit their skin and immune system. Dr. Grimes said she usually recommends a few basic supplements for people with vitiligo, including “a good multivitamin from a reputable brand” and “fish-oil fatty acids because they are antioxidants and they’re photoprotective.”

It’s important to be cautious with supplements. Supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and too much of certain vitamins can cause health problems. Some supplements might be very expensive and offer little benefit. Talk with your doctor before adding anything new to your routine.

4. Supplements Come With Risks

Never assume that something’s safe just because the label says it’s “natural.” Dr. Grimes described how she handles supplements in her practice: “We don’t do exotic supplements. They’re pretty basic. I have patients who come in, and they’re on all of these weird things that I just cannot rationalize. So, we work to get them out of the weeds and on a regimen where there’s data to support everything that we’re recommending.”

When asked about supplement risks, Dr. Grimes shared, “Some supplements put the immune system in overdrive, and it’s already in overdrive. Supplements such as echinacea, goldenseal, and astragalus are three that I’ll just throw out. They’re not meant to be taken long term. If you’ve got a cold or the flu, and you want to take it for a week, they probably do no harm. But if you stay on supplements that put the immune system in overdrive long term, that’s probably not good for vitiligo.”

If certain supplements seem promising to you, or if you’ve been taking supplements on your own, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor. They may know other people with vitiligo who have had experience with the supplement. Or, your doctor might be able to share insight with you that you wouldn’t have known. A good health care provider will listen to your reasoning and provide facts to help you make the right decision about supplements.

5. Try To Get Most of Your Vitamins From Food

Eating a varied and nutritious diet can give your body the vitamins it needs — except perhaps vitamin D — without the risk of negative side effects from certain supplements. Consuming adequate calories from nutrient-dense food groups including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, lean meats, seafood, and low-fat dairy products should cover your nutritional bases.

Dr. Grimes noted the importance of a nutritious diet to promote a healthy immune system for people with vitiligo. “We know that a healthy diet can modulate the immune system,” she said. “There’s a ton of data on micronutrients if you really go into the literature — that data is there.”

Here are some examples of foods that contain key vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin B12 — Beef liver, clams, tuna, salmon, ground beef, nutritional yeast, and fortified nondairy milks
• Folic acid — Spinach, black-eyed peas, fortified breakfast cereals, white rice, and asparagus
• Vitamin E — Wheat germ, sunflower seeds, almonds, sunflower oil, safflower oil, hazelnuts, and avocado
• Vitamin C — Bell peppers, oranges and orange juice, grapefruit juice, kiwi, and broccoli
• Zinc — Oysters, beef, Alaska king crab, lobster, pork chops, baked beans, and pumpkin seeds
• Copper — Beef liver, oysters, unsweetened chocolate, potatoes, shiitake mushrooms, and cashews
• Vitamin D — Trout, salmon, tuna, mackerel, fish liver oils, and fortified juices and nondairy milks

If you have food restrictions or follow an eating pattern that omits certain food groups (such as a plant-based or a gluten-free diet), you could consider meeting with a registered dietitian to assess your intake and screen for deficiencies that may be affecting your skin or overall health. You may also consider taking a basic multivitamin to help fill in the gaps in your diet.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyVitiligoTeam is the social network for people with vitiligo and their loved ones. More than 13,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with vitiligo.

Do you find certain vitamins helpful for managing your vitiligo? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.

In partnership with the Global Vitiligo Foundation, which strives to improve the quality of life for individuals with vitiligo through education, research, clinical care, and community support.