Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D
For the health condition: Psoriasis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Vitamin D is scientifically validated as a treatment for psoriasis, particularly in its topical form. Multiple clinical trials and systematic reviews have shown that vitamin D analogues, such as calcipotriol (calcipotriene) and calcitriol, are effective in reducing the symptoms of plaque psoriasis. These compounds work by binding to vitamin D receptors in keratinocytes (skin cells), leading to the modulation of cell growth and differentiation, as well as exerting anti-inflammatory effects. The over-proliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes are key features of psoriasis, and vitamin D analogues help restore a more normal pattern.

Topical vitamin D treatments have been shown to be as effective as, or superior to, topical corticosteroids in some studies, especially when used in combination. They are also associated with fewer long-term side effects compared to potent corticosteroids. Oral vitamin D supplementation has been explored, but the evidence for its efficacy is much weaker than for topical treatment and is not routinely recommended except in cases of deficiency.

The use of vitamin D for psoriasis is well-accepted in dermatological practice and is endorsed by guidelines such as those from the American Academy of Dermatology and the British Association of Dermatologists. Overall, the evidence supporting topical vitamin D analogues for psoriasis is robust, meriting a high evidence rating.

More about vitamin D
More about Psoriasis

Other health conditions supported by vitamin D

Acne
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Anorexia
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Birth Defects (prevention)
Body Building
Broken Bones
Calcium Deficiency
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Celiac Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Convulsions
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Crohn's Disease
Cystic Breast Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Erectile Dysfunction
Estrogen (low)
Fatigue
Fibroids (uterine)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibrosis
Grave's Disease
Grief and Sadness
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Headache (cluster)
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Hypothyroid
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Knees (weak)
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leukemia
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Lymphoma
Melanoma
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Miscarriage (prevention)
Mood Swings
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Muscular Dystrophy
Myasthenia Gravis
Nephritis
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion
Numbness
Nursing
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Oral Surgery
Osteoporosis
Pain (general remedies for)
Pancreatitis
Paralysis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
PMS (general)
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pneumonia
Polyps
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Progesterone (low)
Prostatitis
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Schizophrenia
Sciatica
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Senility
Tuberculosis