Many MyPsoriasisTeam members have shared their interest in trying vitamins and supplements to manage psoriasis symptoms.

“I started supplementing with vitamin D, fish oil, turmeric, and multivitamins to see what happens,” a member shared. “I will let you know the results.”

Some research shows that certain supplements and vitamins may help reduce psoriasis symptoms. However, no supplement can take the place of medical advice from your dermatologist.

Here’s what you should know about the evidence behind different compounds and how to safely use them.

1. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is known for helping the body build strong bones, but it also plays an important role in supporting the immune system. Studies show that many people with psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions have low vitamin D levels. In other words, vitamin D deficiency is linked to psoriasis, although research does not confirm that low vitamin D causes the condition.

Because inflammation plays a key role in psoriasis flare-ups, some prescription creams for psoriasis contain ingredients related to vitamin D. These are called vitamin D analogs, lab-made versions of vitamin D used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis.

You can ask your doctor to check your vitamin D levels with a blood test. If your levels are low, a supplement may help. Be sure to talk with your doctor about what dose is safe and right for you, as research is ongoing about how much vitamin D people with psoriasis may need.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice made from the root of a plant in the ginger family. It has been used for centuries to support health and treat a variety of conditions. The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is often available 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. Researchers believe that curcumin may help calm parts of the immune system that are overactive in psoriasis. Because of this, turmeric may help ease symptoms of psoriasis.

Studies show that turmeric supplements are usually well tolerated and may support psoriasis management when combined with other psoriasis treatments.

3. Fish Oil

Fatty fish and fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may help limit psoriasis-related skin inflammation and improve symptoms. Some studies have shown that healthy fats can reduce mild to moderate psoriasis symptoms when used alone or alongside other psoriasis treatments.

However, a recent systematic review suggests that this effect is specific to using fish oil in addition to conventional psoriasis treatments, rather than using fish oil alone. In addition, fish oil supplements may be beneficial for the cardiovascular risks commonly associated with psoriasis.

Notably, some of this research has focused on herring roe oil — a specific type of fish oil that has a different balance of omega-3s than most standard fish oil supplements. If you're looking to try this approach, talk with your doctor about the type and dose that may be right for you.

One downside some people report is the “fishy burp” aftertaste that can come with taking fish oil. To reduce this, try freezing the capsule or taking it at bedtime.

For people who don’t eat fish, plant-based omega-3 supplements — such as those made from algae oil — are available.

4. Probiotics

A newer area of research explores how microorganisms in the gut influence various health conditions, including skin diseases such as psoriasis. “Probiotics” is a general term for the many microscopic organisms that support overall health, either by making nutrients your body needs or by helping to keep harmful microbes in check.

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

Some early studies suggest potential benefits from probiotic supplements for people with psoriasis, including:

• Higher quality of life
• Reduced skin symptoms
• Better metabolic health (including lower cholesterol levels)

Some researchers think an imbalance in gut bacteria may affect the body’s vitamin levels and skin health, since gut microbes are involved in making certain nutrients.

However, probiotic supplements may not be safe for everyone. People with compromised immune systems may be at higher risk for infections caused by the live bacteria in some probiotic products. Always check with your doctor before starting a probiotic supplement.

5. Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 is also known as niacin, and it comes in two main forms: niacin and niacinamide (also called nicotinamide). This vitamin affects the skin in many ways, showing benefits related to skin cancer and acne.

Like many other vitamins, B3 is anti-inflammatory. In addition, there’s evidence to suggest that this vitamin can improve psoriasis symptoms when paired with established psoriasis medications, like steroids.

Vitamin B3, or niacinamide, also has beneficial qualities like fighting microbes, acting as an antioxidant, and relieving itching. However, further research is needed to characterize the specific role this vitamin plays in psoriasis treatment.

Because niacin is part of a typical diet, most people don’t need to worry about getting enough. Taking large doses of niacin supplements can cause serious side effects, like skin flushing and dangerously 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. Vitamin B12

Another vitamin frequently discussed in the context of psoriasis management is vitamin B12. Often referred to as cobalamin, this vitamin is essential for regulating your metabolism and nervous system, among many other functions.

Research has demonstrated that people living with psoriasis may have vitamin B12 deficiencies, as well as lower vitamin B12 levels relative to people without psoriasis. However, studies are mixed as to whether intramuscular injections of this vitamin are associated with improvement in psoriasis symptoms.

More recent evidence, however, suggests that topical treatments containing vitamin B12 may be useful for people living with mild to moderate psoriasis.

The use of vitamin B12 in psoriasis management is a growing field. Therefore, it’s recommended that you speak with your dermatologist about whether vitamin B12 administration, in any form, is right for you.

7. 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 supplementation in people with psoriasis.

Recently, selenium nanoparticles have been studied for use in diseases like psoriasis. These nanoparticles are selenium derivatives that have been specially structured to improve their benefits. While they have shown promise for improving psoriasis symptoms, more research is needed.

What Does This Mean for You?

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

If you’re thinking of trying vitamins or 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 closely as it does medications.

Supplement packaging may make false claims, and products may 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.

Talk With Others who Understand

On MyPsoriasisTeam, the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones, 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 the severity of your psoriasis with oral or topical supplements? Leave a comment below or start a conversation on your Activities page.