Sara M Wilchowski1,2, Tommy Lareau1,2. 1. Ms. Wilchowski is a board-certified physician assistant who practices at Forefront Dermatology in East Lansing, Michigan. 2. Mr. Lareau is a second-year physician assistant student at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.
Abstract
Objective: The use of topical vitamin D in the management of patients with psoriasis has been studied extensively over the past several years. However, research regarding oral vitamin D supplementation as a potential treatment option in this patient population is lacking. The objective of this literature search was to examine if oral vitamin D is a viable option in the treatment of psoriasis and prevention of psoriasis related comorbidities. Methods of Literature Search: PubMed was searched using the following search terms: vitamin D, psoriasis, magnesium, vitamin K2, and metabolic syndrome. Results: Collected data from analyzed studies indicated that patients with psoriasis had significantly lower levels of serum vitamin D compared to patients without psoriasis, and that patients with psoriasis who were treated with oral vitamin D achieved greater clinical improvement compared to those who did not receive oral vitamin D therapy. More importantly, data indicated that two key nutrients-vitamin K2 and magnesium-work synergistically with vitamin D, increasing its absorption. Limitations: The studies did not discuss the optimal dosing of vitamin D or what serum levels were needed to achieve clinical improvement. Moreover, the biochemistry can vary per individual, which may yield conflicting results. Conclusion: There is insufficient conclusive evidence regarding oral vitamin D as a potential treatment modality in psoriasis; however, current studies have shown promising results. Larger randomized, clinical trials are needed to assess if oral vitamin D is effective in the management of psoriasis and to provide guidance on optimal dosing. Research has indicated that magnesium and vitamin K2 enhance absorption of vitamin D and decrease the risk of coronary artery calcium deposition.
Objective: The use of topical vitamin D in the management of patients with psoriasis has been studied extensively over the past several years. However, research regarding oral vitamin D supplementation as a potential treatment option in this patient population is lacking. The objective of this literature search was to examine if oral vitamin D is a viable option in the treatment of psoriasis and prevention of psoriasis related comorbidities. Methods of Literature Search: PubMed was searched using the following search terms: vitamin D, psoriasis, magnesium, vitamin K2, and metabolic syndrome. Results: Collected data from analyzed studies indicated that patients with psoriasis had significantly lower levels of serum vitamin D compared to patients without psoriasis, and that patients with psoriasis who were treated with oral vitamin D achieved greater clinical improvement compared to those who did not receive oral vitamin D therapy. More importantly, data indicated that two key nutrients-vitamin K2 and magnesium-work synergistically with vitamin D, increasing its absorption. Limitations: The studies did not discuss the optimal dosing of vitamin D or what serum levels were needed to achieve clinical improvement. Moreover, the biochemistry can vary per individual, which may yield conflicting results. Conclusion: There is insufficient conclusive evidence regarding oral vitamin D as a potential treatment modality in psoriasis; however, current studies have shown promising results. Larger randomized, clinical trials are needed to assess if oral vitamin D is effective in the management of psoriasis and to provide guidance on optimal dosing. Research has indicated that magnesium and vitamin K2 enhance absorption of vitamin D and decrease the risk of coronary artery calcium deposition.
Authors: Qi Dai; Xiangzhu Zhu; JoAnn E Manson; Yiqing Song; Xingnan Li; Adrian A Franke; Rebecca B Costello; Andrea Rosanoff; Hui Nian; Lei Fan; Harvey Murff; Reid M Ness; Douglas L Seidner; Chang Yu; Martha J Shrubsole Journal: Am J Clin Nutr Date: 2018-12-01 Impact factor: 7.045