Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D2
For the health condition: Psoriasis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin D analogs are commonly used in the topical treatment of psoriasis, but it is primarily Vitamin D3 derivatives (such as calcipotriol) that have robust clinical evidence supporting their efficacy. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is less commonly used and less studied in this context. The rationale for using vitamin D compounds in psoriasis relates to their ability to modulate keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, as well as their anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Some laboratory and clinical research suggests that both vitamin D2 and D3 can influence skin cell function, but the majority of clinical trials, reviews, and treatment guidelines focus on vitamin D3 analogs.

Oral vitamin D supplementation (both D2 and D3) has been explored for psoriasis, particularly in patients with documented deficiency, but the evidence is limited and inconsistent. A few small studies and case reports have suggested improvement in psoriasis with high-dose vitamin D2, but robust, large-scale clinical trials are lacking. As such, while there is a scientific rationale and some limited data for the use of vitamin D2 in psoriasis, the evidence is weaker compared to topical vitamin D3 analogs. Most guidelines recommend topical vitamin D3 derivatives as adjunctive therapy rather than oral supplementation with D2.

In summary, while there is a scientific basis for the use of vitamin D compounds in psoriasis, the specific use of vitamin D2 is supported by limited and low-quality evidence.

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Products containing Vitamin D2

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