Micronutrients in Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#avitaminosis #dermatitis-atopic #dietary-supplements #humans #minerals

Micronutrients in Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review

Vaughn et al., 2019 | J Altern Complement Med | Systematic Review

Citation

Vaughn Alexandra R, Foolad Negar, ... Shi Vivian Y. Micronutrients in Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review. J Altern Complement Med. 2019-Jun;25(6):567-577. doi:10.1089/acm.2018.0363

Abstract

Objective: The pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) involves a complex interplay between immune system dysfunction, genetics, and environmental factors. It is well known that nutritional status is essential to a proper functioning immune system, leading to a highly debated question regarding the role of dietary factors in the pathogenesis of AD. Food allergies and elimination diets have been broadly studied in atopy; however, less consideration has been given to how vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients influence the risk for AD and severity of symptoms. This systematic review discusses evidence on how various micronutrients, including vitamins (C, E, and D) and trace minerals (zinc, selenium, iron, copper, magnesium, and strontium) are associated with AD, and how supplementation influence disease severity. Design: A systematic search was conducted to identify the role that oral micronutrients have on AD. The authors reviewed 49 studies herein. Results: While there are weak associations between vitamins C or E and AD, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that vitamin D supplementation provides benefit in AD patients. Deficiency of selenium and zinc may exacerbate AD. Current reports are not sufficient to confidently discern the role of other vitamins and trace minerals on AD. Conclusions: Though oral micronutrients may play a role in AD, the current literature is limited, and there is a need for more comprehensive randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to truly decipher the role between oral micronutrients and AD.

Key Findings

While there are weak associations between vitamins C or E and AD, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that vitamin D supplementation provides benefit in AD patients. Deficiency of selenium and zinc may exacerbate AD. Current reports are not sufficient to confidently discern the role of other vitamins and trace minerals on AD. Conclusions: Though oral micronutrients may play a role in AD, the current literature is limited, and there is a need for more comprehensive randomized controlled trial

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 49
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Avitaminosis
  • Dermatitis, Atopic
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Minerals
  • Nutritional Status
  • Selenium
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Trace Elements
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamins
  • Zinc

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: selenium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09