“I started supplementing with vitamin D, fish oil, turmeric, and multivitamins to see what happens,” a member of MyPsoriasisTeam shared. “I will let you know the results!” Many members are curious about how vitamins and supplements can affect their psoriasis symptoms.

There’s some promising research on the benefits of various vitamins and dietary supplements for managing psoriasis. However, no supplement can effectively replace your dermatologist’s advice. Here’s what you should know about the evidence behind different supplements and how to safely incorporate them into your psoriasis management plan.

1. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is known for helping the body build strong bones, but it also serves key functions in regulating the immune system. Evidence shows that people with psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions are likely to have low vitamin D levels. In fact, this association is so common that vitamin D deficiency is considered an independent risk factor for psoriasis. In other words, if you don’t have enough vitamin D, you are more likely to develop psoriasis.

Because inflammation contributes to psoriasis flare-ups, some topical creams for psoriasis, such as calcipotriene (Dovonex), contain chemicals closely related to vitamin D. These medications are known as vitamin D analogs — human-made versions of vitamin D that are used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis.

Although more research is needed, studies suggest that there’s no downside to increasing vitamin D intake to meet the daily requirements. You can ask your health care provider to check your vitamin D levels with a blood test to determine if a vitamin D supplement is right for you.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is a widely used, vibrant yellow spice derived from a plant in the ginger family, and its root has been traditionally used to treat many illnesses. The main chemical compound in turmeric is curcumin, which is often sold as a dietary supplement.

“Turmeric latte — soy milk, manuka honey, and, yes, a good helping of turmeric,” shared a MyPsoriasisTeam member. “Delicious drink before bed and great for my psoriasis.”

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, researchers suspect that turmeric helps to suppress pathways in the immune system that are overactive in psoriasis. As a result, it has the potential to reduce the symptoms of the disease.

Studies show that turmeric supplements are usually well tolerated and may improve psoriasis management when combined with topical treatments like steroids.

3. Fish Oil

“I’ve recently been advised to take fish oil supplements by one of my clients at work,” wrote a MyPsoriasisTeam member. “Her husband suffers badly with psoriasis, and by taking a fish oil supplement daily, his has cleared up!!!”

Fatty fish and fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may help limit and repair psoriasis-related skin inflammation. These healthy fats have been shown to improve mild to moderate psoriasis symptoms when taken alone or along with other psoriasis treatments. In addition, fish oil supplements may be beneficial for the cardiovascular risks commonly associated with psoriasis.

When choosing a fish oil supplement, make sure it’s low in mercury. Look for reputable brands that stick to strict quality control measures and provide information on mercury levels in their products. Watch out for potential “fish burps” when using fish oil supplements, as these can result in an unpleasant aftertaste. To reduce this effect, consider taking the supplement with meals.

4. Probiotics

A new area of research that may be relevant to psoriasis treatment involves how microorganisms in the gut influence various health conditions and skin diseases. “Probiotics” is a catch-all term for the many microscopic organisms that are beneficial for your overall health, either by making substances your body needs or by keeping other microorganisms in check.

“I would strongly recommend to everyone to eat fermented foods [or] probiotics to heal the gut ... especially those who are on antibiotics frequently,” a MyPsoriasisTeam member suggested.

In addition to being found naturally in foods such as yogurt and fermented foods, probiotics are available as dietary supplements. Research into using probiotic supplements for psoriasis treatment is limited but promising.

Recent studies have shown multiple benefits from probiotic supplements for people with psoriasis, including higher quality of life, reduced skin symptoms, and metabolic improvements (including lower cholesterol). Probiotic supplements can boost the variety of gut bacteria, which is linked to improved health.

Some doctors think an imbalance in gut bacteria may affect the body’s vitamin levels and skin health because these bacteria can be a source of various vitamins.

However, probiotic supplements may not be safe for everyone, especially people with compromised immune systems. This is because they may be more susceptible to infections from these live bacteria.

5. Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 is also known as niacinamide or nicotinamide. This water-soluble form of niacin affects the skin in many ways, showing benefits related to skin cancer and acne.

Like many other vitamins, B3 is anti-inflammatory. When used with the psoriasis treatment calcipotriol, niacinamide has positive effects. Vitamin B3, or niacinamide, also has beneficial qualities like fighting microbes, acting as an antioxidant, and relieving itching.

Because niacin is present in many foods, most people don’t need to worry about a deficiency. Taking large doses of niacin supplements can cause serious side effects, like skin flushing and low blood pressure. It’s important not to go over the recommended daily dose if you decide to use a supplement.

You can discuss vitamin B3 with your dermatologist to learn more about applying it topically or taking it as a supplement.

6. Selenium

Selenium is an essential mineral that helps regulate the immune system. Research shows that people with psoriasis tend to have low serum selenium levels.

Several studies have shown that selenium supplements can lead to improvements in psoriasis symptoms. However, these studies include many other supplements, combining selenium with micronutrients like folic acid, magnesium, zinc, iron, and more.

As a result, there’s no current recommendation supporting selenium supplements in people with psoriasis. Until more research is done, you probably shouldn’t spend money on a supplement unless specifically advised to do so by your doctor. Also, most multivitamins contain the recommended daily amount.

What Does This Mean for You?

Unfortunately, there isn’t enough research on most dietary supplements to fully understand how (or if) they affect psoriasis. But this doesn’t mean that supplements don’t work or that they won’t work for you. It means that more large-scale studies need to be done before a health care provider can say with certainty which supplements work, who they would benefit, and what those benefits may be.

If you’re thinking of trying supplements for your psoriasis — or any other reason — ask your doctor first. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements as rigorously as it does medications. Supplement packaging may make claims that aren’t backed by science and may not accurately reflect a product’s ingredients. The product could contain more or less of a particular nutrient or have unexpected additives or contaminants. To buy supplements from reputable sources, look for verification from respected third-party testing agencies, such as ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, UL, or U.S. Pharmacopeia.

Find Your Team

MyPsoriasisTeam is a community of more than 122,000 people living with psoriasis. Members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis.

Have you used any of these nutritional supplements to manage your psoriasis symptoms? Have you noticed a change in your severity of psoriasis with oral supplementation? Leave a comment below or start a conversation on your Activities page.