“Doctor, Does nutrition have a role in vitiligo? Should I avoid white food items?” This is the most common query of a patient with vitiligo. They are eager to know whether diet plays a role in halting the disease and if any foods can increase vitiligo. Fortunately or unfortunately, there are no known particular foods that will cure vitiligo, and there are none that will make it worse.

Can diet modification help in curing Vitiligo?

Current literature search suggests that changing food habits are not going to cure your Vitiligo.

Should I avoid white food items?

Some cultures have suggested avoidance of white foods, but this doesn’t hold true. In contrast, white foods that mostly include dairy products are a rich source of calcium.

What kind of food can promote pigmentation in Vitiligo?

The emphasis should be given to a balanced and healthy diet rich in nutrients and multivitamins, especially those used during the pigmentation process. Although no nutrients can be identified as a cure, the following nutrients are involved in pigmentation and might be helpful:

• Vitamin B12 & folic acid found in green leafy vegetables, yeast extracts, legumes
• Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, vegetables, amla, etc.
• Vitamin D is found in fish, cod liver oil, milk, eggs, fortified yogurts, etc. But around 90 % of body requirements are fulfilled by sun exposure.
• Beta carotene is found in dark green, orange, and yellow vegetables & fruits.
• Copper is found in leafy greens, including turnip greens, spinach, Swiss chard, kale, and mustard greens.
• Zinc is found in seafood, wheat germ, nuts, etc.
• Iron is found in the liver, sunflower seeds, nuts, lamb, beans, whole grains, dark leafy greens (spinach), dark chocolate, and tofu.
• Drinking plenty of water for healthy skin.

This article is AUTHORED BY Dr. Amitoj Garg, MD, Dermatology.

Dr Amitoj Garg is the director of Jagdamba Skin & Laser Center, Sriganganagar, Rajasthan. After finishing dermatology training at Krisha Institute of Medical Sciences, he received formal training on lasers and cosmetic surgery under the guidance of Dr. Venkatraam Mysore. He has conducted presentations and has been awarded at various International, National, and State conferences. He can be reached at [email protected].