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Vitiligo Diet what is it & How Does it Help Treat Vitiligo?
Specialty: Clinical Nutrition
Merlin Annie Raj is a Registered Dietitian based out of Hyderabad, India. She has vast experience in Clinical Nutrition as well as teaching Nutrition and Dietetics to undergraduate and postgraduate students. She was awarded the President... more
Vitiligo is characterized by the loss of skin pigments on certain areas of the skin, leading to pale, whitish patches (1). While many follow certain vitiligo diets to deal with this condition, most of them lack proper scientific evidence. However, as per skin specialists, a healthy diet may help slow down the progression of this disease. In addition, as vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, a diet that works on the immune system may greatly help.
Vitiligo Sample Diet Plan
- Boiled vegetables
- Vegetable curry (less spicy & oily) and 2 chapatis
- Grilled chicken breast with veggies
- Vegetable clear soup
This diet chart includes foods that are allowed for those suffering from vitiligo. Apart from eating leafy veggies, you may also take supplements (only after consulting your doctor).
Foods To Eat
As mentioned earlier, there is no real vitiligo diet per se. However, you should look at supporting your condition by following a balanced and nutritious diet.
Fruits Figs, apricots, ripe mango, dates, apples, and bananas.
Vegetables Try to consume a plant-centric diet comprising of spinach, beetroot, carrot, potato, cabbage, radish, cauliflower, red chili, bitter gourd, and green beans. Make sure a major bulk of your diet consists of these vegetables, as long as you do not find it difficult to digest them.
Protein In case you yearn for animal products, opt for chicken breast, lean cuts of turkey, wild fish, and organic eggs. It is best to cook them lightly. For vegans, stick to kidney beans, chickpeas, mushroom, and lentils.
Dairy Dairy products can be consumed. However, depending on the level of the condition, some patients are advised to completely avoid dairy products.
Whole Grains Oats, brown rice, white rice, couscous, quinoa, and corn.
Supplements You may have vitamin B12, protein, calcium, minerals, and DHA deficiencies. Hence, take supplements to overcome these deficiencies. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Beverages Allowed vegetable and fruit juices, and coconut water (if you are tolerant to it)..
Herbs & Spices Rosemary, thyme, basil, coriander leaves (small amounts), clove, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Foods To Avoid
Fruits Gooseberry, orange, nectarine, prune, peach, pineapple, lemon, lime, melon, watermelon, grapes, papaya, guava, grapefruit, pear, tamarind, and any fruit that has a good amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C inhibits the formation of pigments (2). Therefore, avoid consuming it.
Vegetables Eggplant, tomato, green chili, onion, and garlic..
Protein Beef, pork, and fish.
Dairy Milk, curd, and buttermilk..
Beverages Carbonated and sweetened drinks, packaged fruit juices, coffee, vitamin C-rich fresh fruit juices, and alcohol.
Spices Turmeric
Others Avoid oily, spicy, processed, packaged, and canned foods. Avoid consuming wafers, pickles, and chocolates.
Overcoming Nutritional Deficiencies
Researchers have found that people suffering from vitiligo often have a deficiency of vitamin B12 folate (5420602/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >4836' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >3), and certain minerals, such as zinc and copper (4), (5). You should get your vitamin levels checked regularly. If there is a deficit, speak to your doctor about taking supplements or overcoming the deficiencies through foods rich in those vitamins.
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in soy milk, fish, shellfish, dairy products, and meat (6). If you have folate and zinc deficiency, include leafy green vegetables, fruits, peas, dried beans, legumes, and nuts in your daily diet (7) (8).
Side Effects Of The Vitiligo Diet
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that cannot be completely treated. However, you can slow down the progression of the depigmentation by addressing certain nutritional deficiencies like vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. Adopting a vitiligo diet that is rich in beta-carotene, antioxidants, and phytochemicals is the best way to go about it. Certain citrus fruits and turmeric are said to possess depigmentation properties. Hence, they should not be consumed. Consume non- citrus fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich chicken breasts, and take certain supplements as part of this diet. Consult a doctor before starting this diet plan.