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Vitiligo vitamins

Based on evidence that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, it appears that antioxidant supplements are helping vitiligo patients regain pigment.

In the November 2008 issue of Dermatology Times, dr. Pearl Grimes, one of the scientists working to find a cure for this skin disorder, says that based on clinical trials she recommends her vitiligo patients the following vitamins:

  • vitamin E
  • Vitamin C
  • coenzyme Q10
  • folic acid
  • vitamin B12
  • a high potency multivitamin
  • alpha lipoic acid

Dr. Grimes uses the vitamin regime combined with nbUVB with encouraging results.

But what is the idea behind a vitamin regime ? As an autoimmune disease, a vitiligo patient's immune system needs stabilization before beginning any treatment (eg. nbUVB, PUVA).

Some studies have shown that this vitamin/supplement regime can help repigment the skin by itself.
Pairing up B12 and folic acid is another aspect to have in mind. Used solely, folic acid can mask the B12 deficiency, frequent in vitiligo patients.

NOTE: please consult your physician for the vitamin healthy dosage and before taking any supplements.

Comments (16)add comment

Alain said:

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Thank you for this. I understand and agree that one should consult a physician for the "vitamin healthy dosage", however, is there a "generally applicable" dosage? What dosage did Dr. Grimes use?
April 27, 2009

Alain said:

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More generally, who are you and how can you be reached?
April 27, 2009

Mike said:

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Here's what I found on the http://www.vitiligosupport.org vitamins forum:

E 200-400 IU
folic acid 800mcg-1mg
C 1,000 mg
B-12 1,000mcg
CoQ10 50 mg
April 29, 2009

Alain said:

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Thank you.
May 15, 2009

elena said:

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is there anything to do for preventing vitiligo?
June 26, 2009

leon said:

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lately i've been taking allot of c-vitamins and eating apples, and the thing is that i've actually started to repigment on my knees and feet.. its kind of a light brown color
June 27, 2009

ella said:

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Hi, how would I know what dose to give my 5 year old ?
August 18, 2009

Dani said:

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Hi , I once went to a doctor to know how to cure vitiligo ,and told me i just had to live with it , but gave me some folic acid and vitamin B12 , I didnt take them .. if I would start to take them do you think I would see some improvments in my skin?
August 28, 2009

israt said:

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HAY I HAVE VITILIGO ALL MOST 2 YEAR NOW IS GETTING REALY BAD PLZ LET ME KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO ? DR TOLD ME THAREI IS NO MEDICATION FOR THIS .
December 03, 2009

Dan said:

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I've lost pigment the last year but when I started taking the vitiamins Dr. Grimes suggested along with NB-UVB Light Therapy and applying a combination of Protopic ointment and a steroidal cream on my spots they are repigmenting! These three things in combination are suggested in the research my wife and I found as being the most effective. If I had to credit one over others however I would say that the vitamins are the real winners. When I forget to take them I lose pigment, when I take them regularly I gain pigment. The key is to not lose too much, because you need pigment to make pigment. Hang in there!
January 21, 2010

sudan said:

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first thing have to do for vitiligi is..be vegetarian 100%. homeopathy treatment is useful..Ars. sulph.3x tablets with booster dose. additionally have to avoid salt, all fruits except banana and black berries, onion, fish,egg, chicken or meat, cold drinks, tea/coffee. This wil not only stops the spreading of vitiligo but also start repigmentation. avoid stress as much as possible.
plz dont waste money on buying any medicines over internet, they never works. (from my personal experience, i have tried almost all the medicines and different treatments available on internet but no use, only waste of money and time.)
gudluck.
May 01, 2010

Amanda said:

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Iv'e lived with Vit since I was 18 (now in my mid 30's). Mine started as a large white spot under one armpit right after I was in a car accident (could have been a coincidence?), I thought it was from my deoderant at first...I had not even heard of vit back then... It started spreading to the second armpit and then spots on my back...usually symmetrical...I finally went to a dermatologist and he diagnosed me with Vit. I was so scared then about 21 and thought my life was over....so I started researching and then began a vitamin regimen..it worked and I repigmented most spots and have almost stop the spread...if I forget my vitamins it starts coming back...I also noticed that during stressful times like exams during college it would get worse (spots get lighter)...I have purposely stayed away from steriod creams and now it looks like good research on Narrow Band UVB light being sucessful, you can get a doc to perscribe a home hand held light/wand and adminster it yourself, it costs about 600-900 bucks for the small unit (for small pots) and my insurance has agreed to pay for some of it. I have been taking a high quality multi vitamin (Vitamin Code RAW by Garden of Life, its all vegan with no additives) and a B complex but for the B12 you need to get methylcobalamin because it's easier for you body to absorb...good luck to all...it seems this disease varies from person to person so no one treatment will work for everyone, i'm just happy I can be almost normal smilies/smiley.gif
May 15, 2010

Alicia said:

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Hi I'm a Medical A ssistent Student. I'm writing a paper about Vitiligo,I'm looking for some information about vitiligo. I would like to hear from people who live with this disorder. I want to understand what its all about and how people who live wiht this feel. I would like to hear your story. So if anyone is willing to write me and tell me your story, I would love to talk to you. Thank You.
June 02, 2010

Alicia said:

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If anyone would like to e-mail me so we could talk more one on one my e-mail is a.bragenzer@yahoo.com
June 02, 2010

Audrey said:

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Hi Alicia,

I'm interested in helping with your paper. You can read more about me at http://www.recouleur.com/about.asp

I definitely believe in vitamins. My research lead to a patent on my vitiligo formula!
August 07, 2010

Mohsin said:

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Hey !

Thanks guys for sharing such a nice information but can anyone suggest me proper dose/or vitamins i should take ! i have vitilego almost 6 years now smilies/sad.gif

Please drop me an email
gfx.mohsin@gmail.com
August 09, 2010

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