Supplements for Psoriasis: Which Ones Have Benefits or Risks?

Medically reviewed by William Truswell, MD

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disorder that causes rough, scaly skin patches. Currently, there's no cure. However, there are ways to treat and manage the condition, such as diet, supplements, and natural topical agents.

About 51% of people with psoriasis use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and research suggests that when used along with other treatments, this may help reduce inflammation or ease symptoms.

This article discusses supplements for psoriasis treatment and other natural options.

Supplements and Psoriasis

Reducing inflammation is a key part of psoriasis management. Some foods can increase inflammation and worsen psoriasis. A healthy, balanced diet is important to overall health, and it's best to get vitamins and other essential nutrients through diet. Supplements, especially anti-inflammatory supplements, are also a reasonable choice.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is anti-inflammatory and often a first-line topical therapy for psoriasis. Some people with psoriasis have low levels of vitamin D.

There are mixed results in some studies on the effectiveness of oral vitamin D in treating psoriasis. However, one review found that psoriasis responds to treatment with four kinds of oral vitamin D, including D2, D3, 1-alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3, and 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol).

Takeaway

The recommended daily dose of vitamin D for most adults is 15–20 micrograms (mcg), or 600–800 international units (IU).

Biotin

Biotin is an essential nutrient that helps regulate cell signals. Although it's a popular supplement for skin, hair, and nail health, studies into its effects on the skin are limited. It's generally safe for people 19 and older.

Takeaway

The recommended daily dose of biotin is 30 mcg for most people.

Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and cell damage. Research shows these essential nutrients improve psoriasis symptoms like inflammation, itching, redness, and scaling. Fish oil's most common side effects are nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, and fishy taste.

Fish oil is among the more effective CAM therapies for psoriasis.

Takeaway

The recommended daily dose for most adults is 1.1–1.6 grams (g).

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy skin. Research suggests that vitamin A levels may be lower during active periods of psoriatic disease. People with psoriasis have good results from topical and oral administration of vitamin A derivatives.

Takeaway

Most adults need 700–900 mcg of vitamin A per day.

Turmeric

Turmeric can help treat skin disorders. A meta-analysis found that curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric, reduces inflammation and can improve psoriatic skin lesions with few adverse effects.

Curcumin is one of the more effective CAM therapies for psoriasis. Oral and topical turmeric products are generally safe when taken in the recommended amounts.

Takeaway

Curcumin is safe at doses as high as 12 g a day for three months. However, check with your healthcare provider first.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is a complex B vitamin (B9) known as folate. Along with vitamins B6 and B12, it helps control blood levels of a protein called homocysteine.

People with psoriasis often have high levels of homocysteine and low levels of folic acid. High homocysteine is associated with psoriasis-related inflammation.

Takeaway

The recommended daily intake of folic acid for most adults is 400 mcg. You may need a higher dose if you also take methotrexate for psoriasis. It's best to take folic acid with a multivitamin.

Probiotics

Although there's a need for more clinical trials, research shows that spore-forming probiotics and prebiotics can improve inflammation, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and quality of life for those also on anti-psoriatic therapy.

Probiotics are linked to serious illness in people who are immunocompromised or severely ill. There are no specific guidelines, so ask your healthcare provider for recommendations.

Selenium

Some people with psoriasis may have low serum selenium levels. Selenium is an essential trace element that helps reduce inflammation.

Takeaway

Most adults need about 55 mcg of selenium a day. Taking too much can lead to side effects, but it's generally safe to take at the recommended dose.

Oregon Grape

Oregon grape (mahonia) is a plant with anti-inflammatory properties that may improve symptoms of psoriasis, like itching and burning, with minimal side effects. Cream with 10% mahonia can effectively treat mild to moderate psoriasis. However, it should only be used as a topical treatment unless your dermatologist advises otherwise.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin are compounds found in joint cartilage. As dietary supplements, they are popular with people who want to support joint health. They appear safe for most people, but there's no evidence that glucosamine and chondroitin improve psoriasis.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

MSM is a popular anti-inflammatory supplement. At a dose of up to 4 g a day, it's generally well-tolerated. However, more research is needed to understand how it affects psoriasis.

Shark Cartilage

There's no hard evidence that shark cartilage (powder or oral capsule) can help any health condition, though there may be unproven benefits. It is thought to boost the immune system and possibly help manage various diseases, including psoriasis. 

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb with anti-inflammatory properties. It's generally considered safe, but no research shows it can improve psoriasis symptoms.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil supplements are promoted for skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, though studies have not found that it helps. No research supports its use for psoriasis or any health condition. It's probably safe for most adults and usually well-tolerated.

Other Natural Options: Topical Remedies for Psoriasis

In addition to anti-inflammatory supplements for psoriasis, you might find some natural topical therapies helpful.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It has anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties on the skin that may speed up wound healing, improve blood flow, and decrease pain.

Olive oil also has squalene, which moisturizes and protects skin, and vitamin E, increasing hydration and water-binding capacity.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids and makes a good skin moisturizer. Though it's possibly effective for atopic dermatitis, no scientific evidence shows it helps psoriasis.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is rich in fatty acids, which may help smooth and soften skin. No specific guidelines or scientific proof exists that castor oil can help manage psoriasis.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is often used in skin care products and other cosmetics to soften and moisturize skin without clogging pores. There's no scientific data to prove that mineral oil can help manage psoriasis.

Aloe Vera

There's evidence that aloe vera can reduce redness and scaling due to psoriasis. Choose creams that are 0.5% aloe and apply up to three times a day.

Apple Cider Vinegar

If you need relief from scalp itch, you might want to try organic apple cider vinegar. Apply to your scalp and rinse after it dries. You can do this a few times a week. If you experience a burning sensation, try a half-water and half-vinegar mixture. But don't use vinegar if your skin is cracked or bleeding.

Side Effects of Taking Supplements for Psoriasis

Serious side effects are more likely if you take high doses or multiple supplements or medicines. Some can interact with medicines, increase the risk of bleeding, or cause other side effects.

How to Use Supplements for Psoriasis

Always check labels for active and inactive ingredients and serving sizes. In some cases, your provider may recommend different dosing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements like medications, and their safety and efficacy are not guaranteed.

It's worth discussing these options and appropriate dosages with your healthcare provider to ensure they fit into your treatment plan. This is especially important if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have other chronic health issues.

Taking Supplements vs. Dietary Food Sources

Nutrition plays a role in chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis. The best source of essential nutrients is food. Supplements are a good alternative if you can't get all you need through diet or if your provider determines you have a deficiency.

Summary

Many people use oral and topical therapies to complement psoriasis treatment. Research on most is limited, and results are mixed. It may take some trial and error to find the ones that help you.

Although many are safe to use, they can lead to unwanted side effects. It's always best to check with your provider before starting on any supplements. You'll want to ensure you're using them correctly and whether they can interact with other therapies.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.