Vitiligo Foods That Can Help

Reactive oxygen species, estrogen and phenol-containing agents play an important role in the pathophysiology of vitiligo. Hence this article on Vitiligo foods tries to draw attention to the potential link between nutrition and vitiligo.

Foods beneficial for Vitiligo

A qualified clinical nutritionist or dietician will guide you about the proportion of Vitiligo foods you should consume. The nutrients and foods beneficial for vitiligo are as follows:

1. Omega 3 fatty acids

Omega 3 or n-3 fatty acids help in protecting from autoimmune diseases and in depressive disorders. Nuts and oilseeds from these nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts contain omega-3 fats. It is advisable that vitiligo patients avoid omega-6 lipids (vegetable oils) and use omega-3 lipids.

Let’s explore why. Omega-3 fats in presence of an antioxidant supplement provide autoimmunity protection by enhancing antioxidant enzymes mRNA levels decreasing free radical production, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. On the other hand, vegetable oils or Omega 6 fats and decreased omega-3 fatty acid intake can alleviate autoimmune diseases.

Omega-3 fatty acids and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), in particular, are well documented inhibitors of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In most human nutritional studies, the enrichment of cell membranes with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids has been reported to increase the glutathione (GSH) peroxidase activity.

About 20% of vitiligo patients are depressed about their illness. Omega 3 fats play an important role to strengthen and improve the functioning of the central nervous system. Laboratory and clinical studies suggest that omega 3 fats are favourable in depression and depressive disorders.

2. Quercetin

Quercetin has strong cytoprotective effects on hydrogen–peroxide induced cell death. Onion and apple, the richest sources of quercetin, along with strong antioxidant properties and thus beneficial for vitiligo patients.

3. Powerful antioxidants seen in mushrooms

L-ergothioneine, a sulfur containing amino acid synthesized by soil bacteria in fungal substrates and functioning is a powerful antioxidant, found in mushrooms. Cooking mushrooms does not destroy this compound. Mushrooms are also an excellent source of Selenium, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (Panthothenic acid), copper and manganese. All these are powerful antioxidants. Of the most commonly consumed mushrooms, portabellas and crimini have the most L-ergothioneine, followed by white buttons. Crimini mushrooms could benefit vitiligo patients.

4. Whey, a protein complex derived from milk, is believed to be a functional food with a number of health benefits.

Whey has potent antioxidant activity, mainly by contributing cysteine-rich proteins that aid in the synthesis of GSH. Cysteine contains a thiol (sulfhydryl) group that serves as an active reducing agent in preventing oxidation and tissue damage. Lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein found in whey, is a nonenzymatic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. As per mice studies, lactoferrin downregulates levels of TNF-α and IL-6. These play a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.

Lactoperoxidase, an important enzyme in the whey fraction of milk, has the ability to catalyze certain molecules, including the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. Alpha-lactalbumin, also found in whey, can chelate heavy metals and reduce oxidative stress because of its iron-chelating properties. Whey also has GSH peroxidase activity. Given these facts, vitiligo patents can gain benefit by consuming whey. Interestingly, human studies demonstrated that whey protein improved cognitive function and coping ability in highly stressed individuals. Adaptation to stress improves with a rise in serotonin. The authors proposed that tryptophan available in whey provides a substrate to increase brain serotonin levels. This fact points further to the benefit of whey for vitiligo patients, given the important role of stress in the exacerbation of vitiligo and the stress produced by the disorder itself.

A balanced diet rich in vitiligo foods is beneficial for the health of these patients. A qualified clinical nutritionist or dietitian will guide you to eat these antioxidant-rich foods in the right amount as suited to your health needs. You can read more about vitiligo, causes, symptoms to understand this skin ailment better.

About Author

Pallavi Pinge is a Clinical Nutritionist and Dietitian | Content Director & Editor for health websites | has a passion for digital health and enjoys promoting health and wellness. She’s the founder and director of Ambrosia Wellness, where she provides personalized nutrition counseling, education, and coaching to individuals with various health conditions.  You can follow her on her social media channels below to stay tuned in with the latest in health and wellness | Health Blog | Contact her for appointments |