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Psoriasis: Can dietary supplements help?

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Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the skin. The immune system attacks the skin's horny cells (keratinocytes). This causes the skin cells to die more quickly and the typical dandruff formation occurs. Typical symptoms are reddening, itching, and dry skin. Elbows, knees, and the scalp are particularly frequently affected. But the face and other parts of the body can also be affected.

In later stages, however, the joints are also affected (psoriatic arthritis). Psoriasis is therefore not just a cosmetic problem. It causes chronic inflammation in the body and as a result, joints can become painful and swollen.

In addition, people with psoriasis have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. These are all typical symptoms of metabolic syndrome, which is considered to be the cause of diabetes.

Anti-inflammatory medications are usually used to treat psoriasis. Light therapy and saline baths can also alleviate the symptoms.

In addition, micronutrients can help reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.

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Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect and can therefore counteract the inflammatory reactions in psoriasis. The omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is found in fish and algae, is particularly important here.

In studies on patients with psoriasis, supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil was able to relieve itching and reduce skin redness. [1]

Gamma-linolenic acid

Gamma-linolenic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid. It is extracted from evening primrose oil or borage oil. It appears to be able to reduce inflammation. Gamma-linolenic acid can also improve the elasticity of the skin and counteract moisture loss. [2]

Vitamin D

Vitamin D has very important functions in the immune system. On the one hand, it has a regulating effect and can reduce inflammation. It is also important for the immune system.

The body can produce vitamin D itself when the skin is exposed to the sun. However, vitamin D deficiency is widespread in our latitudes. Patients with psoriasis are particularly frequently affected by psoriasis.

In psoriasis, vitamin D levels are also associated with the severity of the disease: the greater the deficiency, the more pronounced the symptoms. People with psoriasis should therefore make sure to compensate for a vitamin D deficiency. [3]

selenium

Selenium is a component of antioxidant enzymes and thus counteracts oxidative stress, which is a major cause of chronic inflammation. Selenium can also reduce inflammatory reactions.

Patients with psoriasis often have low selenium levels. However, it is not clear whether selenium supplementation helps with psoriasis. [4] However, there is promising data in combination with coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E. [5]

zinc

Zinc is also part of antioxidant enzymes. Zinc appears to be able to prevent immune cells from attacking affected areas of skin. This would explain why zinc accumulates in affected areas of skin, where it helps repair skin cells. In one study, taking zinc was able to relieve joint inflammation and reduce inflammation. However, the data here is not clear. [6]

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant . Patients with psoriasis are often less well supplied with vitamin C than healthy people. [7] They should therefore have their vitamin C levels checked and avoid a deficiency at all costs.

Other antioxidants such as vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and alpha-lipoic acid are also important in psoriasis.

Conclusion: Micronutrients can relieve inflammation in psoriasis

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress play an important role in autoimmune diseases. People with psoriasis are often not well supplied with antioxidants that counteract oxidative stress and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory nutrients such as vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, zinc and selenium are promising for psoriasis. Zinc and gamma-linolenic acid can also support skin repair.