Researchers collated available literature exploring the impacts of diet and nutritional interventions against vitiligo. Their dataset comprised 14 publications from three online scientific databases. Review findings highlight that vitiligo, a relatively rare autoimmune skin disorder, potentially develops in response to increased somatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations. While some heavy metals (Cd, Hg, and Pb) have been implicated in the development of the condition, the impacts of trace minerals like Zn and Cu remain uncertain and conflicting.
In general, diets and nutritional interventions rich in ROS-depleting molecules (such as vitamin C, B12, and D, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and antioxidants are observed to trigger beneficial vitiligo outcomes and reduce the burden of metabolism, cellular deterioration, and oxidative stress brought about by ROS. While unlikely to replace pharmacological and phototherapy interventions against vitiligo, dietary interventions present an essential step forward in reducing our reliance on these potentially side-effect-inducing clinical interventions. However, large-scale clinical trials are required before these interventions can become commonplace.
Study
In the present review (PROSPERO registration number CRD42023464740), researchers discuss up-to-date outcomes from studies and publications exploring the association between diet and vitiligo. Two independent reviewers collected papers from three online scientific repositories, namely PubMed, European PMC, and Google Scholar, using repository-optimized search strategies for publication acquisition and screening. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines were followed in the review's methodological design and presentation.
Of the 214 records originally found from keyword searches, 19 were found to be duplicates and were excluded. Title and abstract screening excluded 173 records, which was further curbed to the final publication set (n = 14) following full-text screening. The Rayyan platform was used to screen included publications. Elicit and PDF Gear platforms were subsequently used for data extraction, with critical variables including study identification details, methodological attributes, outcome measures, and a concise study summary.
The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool was employed to assess the quality and risk of bias of included publications. Data synthesis comprised outcomes categorization and consolidation, followed by their visual representation as pie charts or bar diagrams.
Results and Conclusion
The present review highlights the critical role of ROS and the body's antioxidant mechanisms in the development and progression of vitiligo. ROS-producing heavy metals like cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) are implicated as disease-causing substances. In contrast, the roles and impacts of micronutrients remain poorly understood, with studies presenting confounding and often contrasting results.
Vitamin supplements, especially C, D, and B12, have been hypothesized as potential anti-vitiligo interventions due to their high antioxidant efficacy.
Recently, researchers have begun exploring fatty acids such as saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for their beneficial effects on vitiligo patients. PUFAs, particularly, have been shown to exert a strong immunosuppressive influence on the disease. Alpha Lipoic acid (ALA) alongside narrow band (NB) ultraviolet B (UVB) light has further been shown to reduce and even reverse vitiligo symptoms compared to a placebo.
While the present review highlights the present dearth of vitiligo-diet association research (only 14 publications met review inclusion criteria), substantial ongoing research will soon supplement our current knowledge in the field. While unlikely to dethrone corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors as the primary clinical interventions against vitiligo progression, studies have shown that the efficacies of both interventions are impressively bolstered by some dietary components, suggesting their future role as adjuncts.
Source:
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240313/Diets-role-in-fighting-vitiligo-highlighted-in-new-research.aspx