Serum vitamin E levels and chronic inflammatory skin diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#dermatitis-atopic #humans #inflammation #vitamin-e #vitamins

Serum vitamin E levels and chronic inflammatory skin diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Liu et al., 2021 | PLoS One | Meta Analysis

Citation

Liu Xiaofang, Yang Guang, ... Zhang Cong. Serum vitamin E levels and chronic inflammatory skin diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2021;16(12):e0261259. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0261259

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vitamin E has long been linked to skin health, including all of its possible functions in cosmetic products, to its roles in membrane integrity and even the aging process. However, reports on the relationship between serum vitamin E levels and the risk of chronic inflammatory skin diseases have been inconsistent. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between serum vitamin E levels and chronic inflammatory skin diseases. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases, with no time limit up to 30.06.2021. Studies examining serum vitamin E levels in patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases were selected. RESULTS: Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria. Compared with controls, a lower vitamin E level was found in patients with vitiligo (SMD: -0.70, 95% CI: -1.21 to -0.19), psoriasis (SMD: -2.73, 95% CI: -3.57 to -1.18), atopic dermatitis (SMD: -1.08, 95% CI: -1.80 to -0.36) and acne (SMD: -0.67, 95% CI: -1.05 to -0.30). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis showed that serum vitamin E levels were lower in patients suffering from vitiligo, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and acne. This study highlights the need to evaluate vitamin E status to improve its level in patients with skin diseases.

Key Findings

Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria. Compared with controls, a lower vitamin E level was found in patients with vitiligo (SMD: -0.70, 95% CI: -1.21 to -0.19), psoriasis (SMD: -2.73, 95% CI: -3.57 to -1.18), atopic dermatitis (SMD: -1.08, 95% CI: -1.80 to -0.36) and acne (SMD: -0.67, 95% CI: -1.05 to -0.30).

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population chronic inflammatory skin diseases
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Dermatitis, Atopic
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamins

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-e

Provenance

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