Oral vitamin D3 supplementation for chronic plaque psoriasis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Ingram MA, Jones MB, Stonehouse W, Jarrett P, Scragg R, Mugridge O, von Hurst PR

Published in Journal of Dermatological Treatment

Methodology

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 101 adults with psoriasis given 100,000 IU vitamin D3 monthly (200,000 IU loading) or placebo for 12 months, with PASI and 25(OH)D measured every three months.

Key Findings

PASI did not differ between vitamin D3 and placebo at any time point, although a significant inverse relationship between 25(OH)D and PASI was seen across the whole sample in post hoc analysis.

Conclusions

A direct benefit of vitamin D3 supplementation for psoriasis could not be determined, though vitamin D status correlates with severity in some subgroups.

Limitations

25(OH)D rose in both groups (placebo contamination/sun exposure), rendering the comparison inconclusive; unequal allocation; post hoc correlation analysis.