Diet and Vitiligo: The Story So Far – Cureus

A depigmenting skin pathology, vitiligo leads to hypopigmentationin afflicted regions of the skin by a gradual decrease in melanocytes. Current knowledge of vitiligo pathogenesis has recently advanced and is now categorically recognized as an autoimmune disorder connected with hormonal and hereditary influences in addition to disorders involving metabolism, oxidative stress, and cell disintegration. According to new hypotheses, melanocytorrhagy and poor melanocyte viability are major factors. The hallmark lesion is an amelanotic, non-scaly, chalky-white macule with clear edges [1,2]. The skin commonly affected is that of the face, lips, hands, arms, feet, and genitalia. Additionally, affected areas typically have white hairs. However, the underlying etiopathogenic process of vitiligo is still uncertain [3]. By repairing damaged pigments or removing persisting pigments, vitiligo therapy aims to reduce its severity. Food supplements and anutrient-dense diet might be seen as essential components oftreatment for vitiligo [4]. Although vitiligo is a common condition, it was recently overlooked in dermatology and treated as an orphan illness for therapeutic development. Patients frequently claim that doctors are not up to date regarding treatment modalities, andmost view vitiligo as a "cosmetic condition [5]. According to physicians, the focus of future studies should be on novel strategies such asquality of life (QOL) assessments that assess patient satisfaction.

Vitiligo has a reported incidence of 0.5 to 1 percent worldwide [6]. With an estimated 8.8% incidence rate, Gujarat, India, has by far the highest incidence worldwide [7]. Men and women both suffer from the condition [8,9], although women have been found morelikely to seek medical assistance. Young women (up to 30 years of age) have a much higher prevalence of vitiligo than young males [8,10]. Women peak by early adolescence, whereas males reach their peak by 45-60 [5].

One of the most challenging dermatological concerns is currently treating vitiligo. Nevertheless, recent years have seen the development of safe and efficient therapies. Therapies that may slow the conditions progression, transform depigmented patches, and promote repigmentation include phototherapy, systemic and topical immunosuppressive agents, and surgical procedures [11,12]. The type of vitiligo (segmental or non-segmental), severity, distribution, frequency, age of the patient, type of skin, and willingness to be consistent with therapy are the factors influencing the effectiveness of the treatment. Lips, hands, and feet are likelymore resistant to treatment, whereas the head, neck, face, abdominal regions, arms, and legs recover favorably [12]. Repigmentation first develops either at the edges of the lesions or in a specific type of pattern known as perifollicular." The treatments efficacy must be evaluated after at least 2-3 months. The most popular kind of treatment for vitiligo involves UV radiationand, when coupled with other therapies, has been linked to better results [13].

Vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) constitutes one of the nine water-soluble vitamins and one of the eight vitamin B types [14]. It is one of the most common deficienciesand, if left untreated, might result in blood and nerve disorders [15]. A non-vegetarian diet, including meat, eggs, and dairy products, is a good sourceof Vitamin B12. The normal B12 consumption is 2.4 g per day. Only fifty to sixty percent is absorbed [16,17]. Vitamin B12 has been shown to be useful for repigmentation in patients suffering from vitiligo. Folic acid (or vitamin B9)has been proven to besignificant for treating vitiligo.It needs to be included in the diet as the body cannot synthesize it.According to an original study conducted in the Birmingham Medical Center, the University of Alabama, 15 patients diagnosed with vitiligo were reported to have low levels of Vitamin B12 and B9. After administering eight of these patients with vitamin B12 and B9 for three years, repigmentation was observed[14].More research is needed to identify the correct dosage of Vitamin B12 and B9 and the duration for which the skin should be exposed to the sun[18].

Vitamin C constitutes one of the water-soluble vitamins. Majorly present in citrus fruits like lemon, kiwi, oranges, and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin C should be a part of a balanced diet. It has been indicated that vitamin C has antioxidant action and immunomodulatory characteristics[19,20]. Vitamin C is not used and is contraindicated in treating vitiligo as it disrupts the melanin production pathways[21].

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that absorbs substances like calcium and magnesium. Vitamin D acts on the skin receptors and disrupts the growth and development of melanocytes and keratinocytes[22,23]. 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcifediol) acts on dihydroxy vitamin D3 receptors on the melanocytes to initiate melanin secretion[24]. According to research, vitamin D levels impact the immune system as the immune system has enzymes/metabolites that can metabolize vitamin D, indicating that the immune system is also contributing to converting inactive forms of vitamin to active forms of calcitriol. This establishes a relationship between the normal functioning of the bodys immune system and circulating vitamin D levels. Any impairment in vitamin D levels would result in disruption of immune system physiology. It can be assumed that dysregulation of the immune system might increase the chances of developing autoimmune diseases. Therefore, if the proper dosage of vitamin D is administered in patients showing vitamin D insufficiency, the outcome of treatment for autoimmune disorders can significantly increase the chances of favoring the patient[25]. Still, insufficient medical evidence indicates that low vitamin D could result in vitiligo. Due to this relation to the immune system, it is highly recommended to include it in the therapy for treating vitiligo. Several studies have been conducted to understand the effect of vitamin D in vitiligo patients. According to a pilot study by Finamor et al., which comprised 16 patients, 35000 IU (international unit) of vitamin D3 was regularly administered every day for six months. Out of 16, 14 patients showed 25% to 75% repigmentation, concluding that supplementation of vitamin D could decrease disease progression[26].

More than three thousand proteins, such ashormones, enzymes, and nuclear factors, require zinc as a cofactorfor their normal functioning. Superoxide dismutase, a skin antioxidant, uses zinc as an enzyme cofactor [27]. Zinc also controls gene expression. Zinc may also inhibit melanocytedestructionsince apoptotic caspases are activated when intracellular zinc concentrations drop [28]. Combined with topical steroids, zinc has been proven to be a marginal advantage in managing vitiligo.Nonetheless, this needs additional investigation. However, treatment-related gastrointestinal adverse effects are a factor that limits zinc supplementation [28]. In an experiment by Yaghoobi et al., 13.3% of zinc-taking participantsreportedgastric discomfort [29]. Table 1 outlines the properties and impact ofthe supplements mentioned above on managing vitiligo.

An ancient Chinese plant, Ginkgo biloba (GB) has recently acquired considerable attention for its contribution to the treatment of a number of ailments, particularly vitiligo, dementia, macular degeneration, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease [30]. A decrease in cyclooxygenase activity and Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha's role (TNF-a)ininducingthe production of interleukin-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are hypothesized to be the mechanisms of anti-inflammatory effects shown by GB [31]. These qualities shown by ginkgo have been claimed astherapeuticdue to the pivotal role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Furthermore, as emotional anxiety wasfound to aggravate vitiligo, ginkgos anxiolytic qualities could slow downthe spread of the condition. The majority of individuals consume GBwithout experiencing any negative side effects, however mild gastrointestinal disturbance is the most frequent side effect. Ginkgo is a viable alternative medicine that has been found to slow the advancement of the illness and enhance repigmentation, according to the findings of two trials.

A species of fern called Polypodiumleucotomos (PL) has been investigated for its significance in the treatment of a number of skin problems, particularly vitiligo, psoriasis,atopic dermatitis, and in preventing UV-induced skin damage. Investigations have been done on the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, photoprotective, and immunomodulatory properties of PL. When used with phototherapy, ingesting PL is used to boostthe efficacy of narrowband UV-Bin treating vitiligo [32,33]. It was furtherestablished that combining PL with PUVA (psoralen plus ultraviolet-A radiation) treatment results in an increased re-pigmentation. More participants who got >50% re-pigmentation were within the group undergoing PUVA along with PL than the group undergoing PUVA with placebo. All subjects saw the successful treatment of their condition following Anopsos therapy for five months, which is a hydrosoluble lipid derivative of PL [34].

Khellin is a crystalline extract from the plant Ammi visnaga and ithas been utilized in traditional medicine throughout the Mediterranean. Orally administered activated khellin is being studied as a promoter of melanogenesis and proliferation of cultured normal human melanocytes and Mel-1 melanoma cells. These have apossible role in photosensitizing vitiligo treatment when paired with UV therapy. In comparison to no treatment, the combination of4 percent preparation of topical khellinwith monochromatic excimer laser (MEL) treatment at 308 nm,effectively reduced depigmented lesions [35]. Althoughno discernible difference has been noted in theperformance of phototherapy alone and phototherapy with topical khellin, nosupport substantiatesthe claimed advantages of topical khellin [36].

Celiac disease (referred to as CD) is an autoimmune intestinal infection characterized byindividuals who have an adverse reaction to gluten. Damage to the intestinal mucosa, mostly in the form of diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and other gastrointestinal symptoms, can result from the condition. According to several studies [37,38], people with CD had an increased prevalence of vitiligo than those without CD. Patients who are seropositive for CD immune cells and have autoimmuneskin diseases including psoriasis, dermatitis hepatitis, and vitiligo have reportedly experienced fewer symptoms after switching to a gluten-free diet (commonly referred to as GFD) [39-41]. Such type of knowledge is crucial for treating vitiligo patients because the intestinal symptoms are typically vague and frequently disregarded by medical professionals and patients. Additionally, people with vitiligo may benefit from CD screening and CD patients with an early diagnosis of vitiligo may benefit from GFD because it may help both illnesses. To further support these observations, large-scale, long-term follow-up investigations are necessary.

The amino acid phenylalanine (Phe) is hypothesized to operate as a possible cure for vitiligo due to its crucial role in the regulation of catecholamine, antibody synthesis, and most importantly, melanin formation. These form the basis of the autoimmune and neurological pathophysiology of vitiligo. Phenylalanine is hydroxylated to tyrosine, which is then used in the process of melanogenesis. Phenylalanine and tyrosine are also closely involved in the production of catecholamines. According to the neural hypothesis, the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo was associated with catecholamines released by autonomic nerve terminals, either directly or indirectly [42]. Phenylalanine or metabolite levels that disrupt catecholamine production may impact vitiligo onset or advancement. Each participant participated as their own control in a clinical investigation that investigated phenylalanines impact on vitiligo. After four months of UV-A treatment, the subjects received oral phenylalanine (50 mg/kg) twice a week for the first four months. When the treatments were administered separately, no improvement was detected.Upon administering phenylalanine along with UV-A irradiation, 94.7 percent of individuals exhibited follicular re-pigmentation and 26.3 percent exhibiteddense repigmentation [43].

Phyllanthus embelica Linn., widely recognized as amla fruit or Indian Gooseberry is extensively spread in China, India, Indonesia, and Thailands tropical and subtropical areas. Research has indicated that P. emblica has a strong antioxidant capacity owing to its high polyphenolic component and vitamin C content. P. embelica fruit was studied further in 130 subjects in association with carotenoids and vitamin E, which are commonly utilized in vitiligo treatments. In the research, 50 % of participantsonly got traditional therapies including phototherapy and topical medications. The second section of peoplereceived traditionaltherapy which included combining dietary antioxidants, vitamin E, and carotenoids thrice daily andtreatment with topical agents or phototherapy. According to these investigations,a higher percentage of patients in the antioxidant-supplemented group saw minor re-pigmentation in the head, neck, and truck regionafter six months. Antioxidants were not used in the group that had more erythema, more vitiligous patches, more inflammation, and faster vitiligous zone expansion [44].

In vitro studies have revealed that piperine, the main alkaloid in black pepper, stimulates melanocyte replication and causes the development of melanocytic dendrites. According to many studies, when UV exposure is present, piperine is recommended. Research has shown the impact of UV light on melanocytes is stimulated by piperin. Piperine only enhanced melanocyte proliferation and dendritic production in melan-a (mouse cell line) when it was not combined with UV-A. Mice given both piperine and UV radiation (UVR) experienced more pronounced pigmentation than mice given either treatment alone. Studies havepointedout that in order to prevent photoisomerization of piperine, UVR and piperine should be used in distinct phaseswhile treating vitiligo [45-47].

Nigellasativa is a perennial species of plant yieldingblack cumin, the oil isolates of which are often used to treat a range of illnesses, especially dermatological conditions. Thymoquinone, a primary ingredient of Nigella sativa is being carefully researchedas a key element possessing avariety of benefits, particularly for its anticancer, immunomodulating, and anti-inflammatory reactions [48-50]. Topical administration with Nigella sativa oil has been demonstrated to considerably enhancethe Vitiligo Area Scoring Index score within four months [51]. This mightbe a secure and efficient supplement for conventional vitiligo therapy.

One of the first fruit trees that have been planted is the pomegranate (Punica granatum Linn.) and it is high in polyphenolic chemicals and tannins. Thus, three to six glasses of commercially accessible pomegranate juice per day could be sufficient to provide antioxidant benefits [52].

The polyphenolic molecules known as catechins, which are part of the chemical class of flavonoids, are responsible for green tea's antioxidant properties. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is by far the most common and therapeutically significant constituent of green tea. It has substantial antioxidant activity as a ROS/RNS (reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species) scavenger withregardto providing potent anti-inflammatory characteristics which canmodulate the T-cell-mediated immunological response [53]. Studies demonstrated in two in vitro investigations that EGCG has a potent antioxidant impact on primary human melanocytes. In fact, EGCG reduced ROS production, regenerated impaired mitochondrial function, and lowered apoptosis influenced by hydrogen peroxide. In addition to this, EGCG alsocontrolled oxidative stress-triggered pathways in melanocytes exposed to this stress. Experimental investigations on mice showed depigmentation caused by monobenzone [54]. Studies demonstrate the immune-modulating and oxidative stress-attenuating properties of 2, 5, and 10% EGCG cream. There have not been any trials conducted on how EGCG affects humans so far.Additionally, it was recommended to consume 5 to 16 cups of tea daily to achieve itsantioxidant potential. The sole option appears to be EGCG extract supplementation rather than tea infusions [55].

The main naturally occurring lipophilic polyphenol present in the rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and other Curcuma species is curcumin, known as diferuloylmethane. Numerous studies revealed that curcumin shows strong and complex antioxidant activity which enables it to influence the antioxidant system both directly and indirectly as well as inhibiting the generation of ROS and its intracellular sources. One in vivo investigation revealed that when narrowband UV-B (NB-UVB) and tetrahydro-curcuminoid were combined topically on vitiligo patients' skin, the rate of skin repigmentation was marginally greater than when NB-UVB was used alone [56]. Table 2 outlines the properties and impact of the supplements mentioned above on managing vitiligo.

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Diet and Vitiligo: The Story So Far - Cureus