Heal House Vitiligo Research 46 · Review
How much does taking antioxidant supplements together with phototherapy help vitiligo?
Antioxidant supplements in combination with phototherapy for vitiligo: A systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials
Last reviewed
In short
Taking antioxidant supplements while undergoing phototherapy may be helpful. We have summarized the evidence by collecting the most reliable randomized controlled trials.
"Doctor, are there any good supplements for vitiligo?" This is a question I hear very often in the clinic. 'Oxidative stress' that harms pigment cells is involved in vitiligo. So, there has long been an expectation that adding antioxidants, which reduce this stress, to phototherapy might help. However, the ingredients and methods used varied from study to study, making it difficult to state the degree of benefit in a single phrase. Therefore, I collected the most reliable randomized controlled trials and calmly organized the evidence for this combination.
Q1 What is the evidence that antioxidants can help with vitiligo?
This is because 'oxidative stress' is known to be deeply involved in vitiligo. Pigment cells are particularly vulnerable to harmful substances like reactive oxygen species during the process of producing pigment. Moreover, it has been reported that the ability to defend against this oxidative stress is weaker in vitiligo patients. Therefore, it was thought that reducing the burden on pigment cells with antioxidant ingredients such as vitamins or polyphenols could aid treatment. In particular, when used together with phototherapy, which revitalizes pigment cells, they can complement each other. Against this background, the method of taking antioxidant supplements together has long received attention.
Q2 So, is it beneficial to add antioxidant supplements to phototherapy?
It may be helpful. In the randomized controlled trials we collected, data showed that the group taking antioxidant supplements together had better results than the group receiving phototherapy alone. However, it is still too early to pin down 'how much better' in numbers. This is not because antioxidants are ineffective. It is because the ingredients, doses, and durations varied from study to study, and the sample sizes were not large, making it difficult to state the exact magnitude. This does not mean there is no effect; it means more research is needed. Therefore, for those who are consistently receiving phototherapy, I suggest taking antioxidant supplements as a method worth trying.
Closing remarks
Thanks to this review, I am now able to give an evidence-based answer to the question, "Do supplements help?" Taking antioxidant supplements while consistently undergoing phototherapy is certainly worth trying. Of course, as more research accumulates in the future, I will be able to state the degree of benefit more clearly. Until then, antioxidant supplements can be a reliable companion that supports phototherapy.
