Vitamins and diet, what are the best foods to eat when you have vitiligo?
Vitamins and diet can play a role in vitiligo. In fact, foods rich in vitamins and folic acid contribute to the maintenance and strengthening of the immune system.
Vitamin B12 and folic acid
Vitamin B12 is essential for cell renewal. It thus contributes to the good general condition of the skin. Vitamin B12 also allows to fight effectively against free radicals, responsible for the destruction of melanin.
It is recommended to consume vitamin B12 associated with folic acid (B9) in order to best treat vitiligo. Scientific studies have shown the interest of a combination of vitamin B12, folic acid and sun exposure to regain the natural color of the skin.
Vitamin B12 is essential for good cell renewal and the production of red blood cells. It thus has a preponderant role in pregnant women for the good development of the foetus. Be careful however with overdosage, it is recommended, especially if you have triggered vitiligo, to call your doctor in order to obtain a prescription at the right dosage.
Good to know: Vitamin B12 is sensitive to heat as well as to light, it does not stand up to cooking either. It is therefore important to keep food or supplements away from heat and light, and to monitor the cooking process, do not exceed the indicated time in order to preserve the nutrients and vitamins. It is not recommended to reheat several times.
Where are vitamin B12 and folic acid found?
Vitamin B12 is mainly found in foods of animal origin, some examples to cite are
Offal
Eggs
Fish
Dairy products
Seafood
Meat
Breakfast cereals
Nuts
Beet
Brussels sprouts
For vegetarians, B12 is found in spirulina, red and green algae.
And for folic acid, here are some examples of rich foods:
Poultry offal
Brussels sprouts
Boiled Broccoli
Roman Lettuce
Sunflower seeds
Linseed
Nuts
Pork liver
Beet
Asparagus
Spinach
Vitamins A, C and E, what is their role and their interest?
Vitamin E participates in the protection of cell membranes, especially those of the skin. It also contributes to slowing down skin aging. Finally, it protects red blood cells against oxidizing substances. To date, many cosmetic products are rich in vitamin E, because it has been proven to improve the quality of the skin. This vitamin acts as an antioxidant to fight against the destruction and premature degradation of melanocytes, responsible for skin pigment. Vitamin E can be consumed both through food and dietary supplements. Consult your doctor for the correct dosage.
Foods rich in vitamin E:
Papaya
Fatty foods
Nuts, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts
Sunflower seeds
Cereals with bran
Peanut
Lawyer
Vitamin C is rich in ascorbic acid and has an important role for people with vitiligo because it acts in synergy with vitamin E, selenium and zinc. It also promotes the absorption of iron. It fights against oxidation and thus strengthens the immune system. It participates in the renewal of white blood cells allowing the body to defend itself against attacks and pathogens, both internal and external.
Some foods containing vitamin C:
Guava
Kiwi
Broccoli
Mango
Red bell pepper
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage rave
Pineapple
Papaya
Orange
Vitamin A has an important role
Beta-carotene has a significant antioxidant power and helps to fight against oxidative stress and premature aging of the skin. A good supply of vitamin A also prepares the skin for the sun and protects the cells against external aggressions. It is a precursor of melanin, responsible for skin pigmentation.
Some foods rich in vitamin A:
Sweet potato
Carrot
Spinach leaves
Watercress
Thyme
Dried apricot
Lettuce
Dandelion
Roman Salad
Cooked pumpkin
Melon
Lamb's lettuce salad
Blette
Parsley
What about beta-carotene?
It is a form of vitamin A precursor with high antioxidant activity, thus playing a role in "updating" the normal color of the skin. In addition, the deposition of dietary carotenoids provides photoprotection for lightly pigmented skin. Again, consulting a doctor when vitiligo is triggered is the best thing to do, in order not to overdose on vitamins or sun exposure.
Some foods rich in beta-carotene:
Leafy vegetables: lettuce, watercress, spinach, endives...
Nuts
Pulses: lentils, chickpeas...
Citrus
And finally: vitamin D and vitiligo.
Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin, it increases the melanogenesis diet and tyrosinase activity. This is why vitamin D is often insufficient in people suffering from vitiligo or autoimmune disease.
Some foods rich in vitamin D:
Salmon
Herring
Veal liver
Mushrooms
Oysters
Mackerel
Anchovies
Egg yolk
Eel
Butter
Milk
Yoghurts
Conclusion: Vitiligo remains a difficult disease to treat, to date there is no miracle cure, but taking care of one's diet and lifestyle can help stabilize it and even stimulate the production of melanin in certain areas.
By accompanying a diet rich in sunshine vitamins, results can be achieved.
It is the dermatologist who must determine whether or not the patient suffering from vitiligo should be exposed to the sun. The doctor will be able to prescribe topical creams, phototherapy sessions and also indicate the time of sun exposure of the vitiligo areas.