TLDR Nutrition affects skin health differently based on age and condition.
The review highlighted the significant impact of nutrition on various dermatologic conditions in both children and adults. For atopic dermatitis (AD), it was found that supplementing with probiotics and fish oil in pregnant mothers with a history of atopy could reduce the incidence of AD in their children, and specific food eliminations, such as egg elimination, might help reduce symptoms. The role of systemic supplementation with vitamins and nutrients in psoriasis was less clear, though topical treatments were well established. Limited evidence suggested that vitamin A and D might play a role in alopecia areata, and zinc supplementation showed some promise in treating verruca vulgaris, though results were inconclusive. Overall, the review emphasized the need for dermatologists to consider nutritional factors when advising patients on skin health.
105 citations,
March 2014 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” Alopecia areata patients often have low vitamin D levels, suggesting they might benefit from vitamin D supplements.
54 citations,
September 2012 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Vitamin A affects hair loss and immune response in alopecia areata.
51 citations,
January 2012 in “Annals of dermatology/Annals of Dermatology” A boy with alopecia regrew hair using a vitamin D cream after other treatments failed.
717 citations,
June 2010 in “Nature” Alopecia areata involves both innate and adaptive immunity, with specific genes linked to the disease.
44 citations,
October 2009 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Topical bexarotene 1% gel might help regrow hair in alopecia areata and is generally safe.
91 citations,
February 2009 in “Journal of biological chemistry/The Journal of biological chemistry” DGAT1 enzyme is crucial for healthy skin and hair by regulating retinoid levels.
91 citations,
November 2007 in “European journal of endocrinology” Metformin helps with PCOS symptoms no matter the patient's initial insulin resistance or weight.
989 citations,
August 2007 in “The Lancet” PCOS is a complex condition with major health impacts, needing more research for better diagnosis and treatment.
October 2023 in “Acta dermato-venereologica (Print)” People with severe hair loss have lower zinc levels in their blood.
