What You Need to Know about Diet and Vitamins if You Live with Vitiligo

Medically reviewed by Dr. Nada Elbuluk, dermatologist and associate professor at the University of Southern California.

Published May 2019; Updated February 2025

Is there a diet that will treat vitiligo? If you stop eating gluten, will your vitiligo go away? If you’re asking these questions, you aren’t alone. In fact, there’s a growing interest among those living with vitiligo in the use of supplements, diet, and lifestyle to treat the condition—and internet search volume in the millions for keywords around these topics proves it.

Despite this interest in alternative therapies, however, there is both limited research and a significant amount of misinformation on the internet about diet and vitamins when it comes to treating vitiligo. And what you put into your body isn’t something to be taken lightly.

So, what information can we trust about diet, vitamins, and vitiligo? We partnered with Dr. Nada Elbuluk, a board-certified dermatologist and pigmentary expert, to get the answers. Dr. Elbuluk regularly sees vitiligo patients out of her Los Angeles office and is the founding director of the USC Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Program—and has studied and presented findings on the existing research on diet, vitamins, and vitiligo. Well-known in the vitiligo community, she regularly participates in national and international vitiligo research and patient conferences.

Here’s what we know today.

Why consider diet and supplements for treating vitiligo?

We know that vitiligo depigmentation occurs when immune cells attack melanocytes, the body’s pigment-producing cells. We also know that the balance between protective antioxidants and damage-causing reactive oxygen species, known as oxidative stress, plays a role in vitiligo. So it seems plausible that dietary antioxidants and other supplements that support healthy melanocytes could be effective therapies for vitiligo. 

Since those living with vitiligo may have a deficiency of certain minerals and vitamins, antioxidant supplementation that can balance these deficiencies may work hand-in-hand with vitiligo treatment. For all these reasons, many of those living with vitiligo are curious about these alternative therapies.

What does the research say about diet, vitamins and vitiligo today?

So far, no studies have shown conclusive benefits from a particular diet or vitamin for vitiligo. Experts are still researching these connections and as of today and while some studies have been done, their results can’t be generalized due to design flaws or other concerns. More and better (bigger sample size, carefully designed studies) research will hopefully help solidify information about this topic.

But this doesn’t mean the food you eat doesn’t matter—along with the gut microbiome, mental and physical health are key factors in your overall health, including your vitiligo.

What vitamins and supplements have been studied as therapies for vitiligo?

While more studies still need to be done, there’s good news: vitiligo research is steadily on the rise and several vitamins and minerals have been studied as therapies for vitiligo. Here’s a quick overview of the most-researched supplements and what the data shows so far.

• Vitamin D | Vitamin D has several antioxidant properties, such as playing a role in melanocyte growth, supporting calcium and bone homeostasis, and inhibiting inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency is more common in people with vitiligo with comorbid autoimmune conditions. Some studies have shown that in those with low vitamin D levels, supplementation can augment phototherapy outcomes, but the relationship between vitiligo and vitamin D is complex and more studies are needed. 
• Vitamins C, E and alpha lipoic | Vitamins C and E are both antioxidants, and there are studies showing lower vitamin E levels in those with vitiligo compared to control subjects. Alpha lipoic plays a role in recycling other antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E). These vitamins may work to make phototherapy more effective, as well as help reduce oxidative stress associated with vitiligo. They also support immune function.
• Polypodium leucotomos | Polypodium is a tropical fern from Central and South America. It contains natural phenolic compounds that have antioxidant properties as well as anti-inflammatory and photoprotective (meaning it prevents damage from UV radiation) properties, making it popular as an “anti-aging” treatment. While polypodium appears to be safe at a dose of 240mg daily, more research is needed into its effects on vitiligo.
• Gingko biloba | A traditional Chinese herb, ginkgo biloba has multiple antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may suppress autoimmune response to melanocytes, but its side effects include gastrointestinal distress and a risk of bleeding disorders (known medically as coagulopathy). This herb’s potential to inhibit vitiligo progression and augment repigmentation deserves further controlled studies.
• Khellin | Khellin is an extract from a medicinal Mediterranean plant called khella, and is structurally similar to psoralens (aka medicines made from plants that make skin more sensitive to light, commonly used in combination with UV therapy for vitiligo). Khellin may stimulate melanocyte growth and has been studied fairly extensively: as of 2024 there were 11 studies evaluating oral or topical khellin in vitiligo. Its benefits for vitiligo treatment seem promising, but should be balanced with its side effects, which include nausea and orthostatic hypotension.

Are patients and doctors using alternative treatments today?

The short answer: yes.  A 2024 survey of 625 U.S. patients with vitiligo showed that 33% were using complementary and alternative medicines including vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin C, topical Nigella sativa oil, oral omega-3 fatty acid, folic acid, and vitamin E. Less than half reported that they disclosed their use of these therapies to their physician.

For some, the interest stems from frustration with conventional treatment therapies—a lack of successful repigmentation, high cost of therapy, or concern over the side effects. For others, there is an interest in treating vitiligo with natural therapies.

How can I incorporate diet and vitamins into my lifestyle with vitiligo? 

There is still much to be discovered about the potential benefits of vitamins and supplements for those living with vitiligo. It’s important to recognize that nutrient deficiencies can occur in those with vitiligo. You can be proactive about managing your nutritional health and your vitiligo by talking with a vitiligo specialist about your individual vitamin and mineral levels.

Additionally, given the limited research, the best mindset towards diet, vitamins and vitiligo may be a holistic one. Instead of locking in on a single diet or supplement as a cure-all, develop a more well-rounded treatment plan in partnership with a vitiligo specialist. This type of plan can take into account the following: nutrition and diet; topical, oral and procedural therapies; physical well-being; mental health; vitamins and minerals; and botanicals and herbal supplements.

The bottom line

Alternative therapies for vitiligo, like diet and vitamin supplements, shouldn’t be ignored. But they also shouldn’t be experimented with on your own. If you, like millions of others who Google these keywords, are interested in how diet and vitamins can be part of your vitiligo care, talk to your doctor. The best option is to see a vitiligo specialist, someone who is familiar with the latest medical research about vitiligo and can advise you on how to manage your vitiligo.

If you do want to do additional online reading, check out these six trusted, doctor-recommended sources: Global Vitiligo Foundation, Vitiligo Research Foundation, Vitiligo Support International, Dr. John Harris’s Blog, Living Dappled, American Vitiligo Research Foundation.

References

• Silverberg et al.: A pilot study assessing the role of 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels in patients with vitiligo vulgaris
• Sehrawat et al.: Correlation of Vitamin D Levels with Pigmentation in Vitiligo Patients Treated with NBUVB Therapy
• Jung et al.: Phototherapy for Vitiligo A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
• Speeckaert et al.: The Impact of Antioxidants on Vitiligo and Melasma: A Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis
• Fenniche et al.: Successful Treatment of Refractory Vitiligo with a Combination of Khellin and 308-nm Excimer Lamp: An Open-Label, 1-Year Prospective Study

Medical Disclaimer: This information is intended for informational purposes only. Consult with your doctor or a professional healthcare provider for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis.