Supplements for Psoriasis: Which Ones are Worth Trying?

Can the Right Supplements Help Calm Your Psoriasis?

You’ve tried every cream, prescription, and home remedy, yet flare-ups still happen. You wonder, is there something missing from my routine? What if a simple nutrient deficiency is making your symptoms worse?

Many people with psoriasis turn to supplements to fill nutritional gaps and support their immune system. While supplements aren't a cure, research suggests that certain vitamins, minerals, and natural compounds may reduce inflammation, support skin health, and improve overall well-being.

So, which ones are actually worth trying? Let’s dive into the most promising supplements for psoriasis, how they work, and what science says about their effectiveness.

How Supplements Can Help Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to inflammation, redness, and scaling. Managing psoriasis is about reducing inflammation and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

Some supplements may help by:
✔ Lowering inflammation in the body
✔ Supporting skin regeneration and hydration
✔ Boosting the immune system
✔ Improving gut health, which is linked to psoriasis

While no single supplement can replace medical treatment, certain nutrients can support your skin health and possibly reduce the severity of flare-ups.

Best Supplements for Psoriasis (Backed by Science)

1. Vitamin D (The Sunshine Vitamin)

✔ Why It Helps: Vitamin D plays a key role in immune regulation and skin cell growth. Many people with psoriasis have low Vitamin D levels, which may contribute to worsening symptoms. Studies suggest that Vitamin D supplements or topical creams can help reduce inflammation and slow down excessive skin cell production.

✔ Best Sources:

• Sunlight (10-15 minutes per day)
• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Fortified dairy products
• Vitamin D3 supplements (1,000–4,000 IU per day, as recommended by a doctor)

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

✔ Why They Help: Omega-3s are powerful anti-inflammatory agents found in fish oil and plant-based sources. Research shows that they can help reduce psoriasis-related inflammation and moisturize dry, flaky skin. Some studies suggest that regular Omega-3 intake can lead to less redness, itching, and scaling in people with psoriasis.

✔ Best Sources:

• Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines)
• Chia seeds and flaxseeds
• Fish oil supplements (1,000–3,000 mg per day)

3. Turmeric (Curcumin)

✔ Why It Helps: Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research suggests that curcumin can help suppress overactive immune responses, which may reduce psoriasis flare-ups.

✔ Best Sources:

• Fresh or ground turmeric
• Turmeric supplements (with black pepper for better absorption) (500–2,000 mg daily)

4. Probiotics (For Gut Health)

✔ Why They Help: The gut and skin are deeply connected through the gut-skin axis. Studies suggest that imbalanced gut bacteria (dysbiosis) may worsen autoimmune conditions like psoriasis. Taking probiotics can help restore gut health and reduce systemic inflammation.

✔ Best Sources:

• Yogurt with live cultures
• Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir)
• Probiotic supplements (with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains)

5. Zinc (For Skin Repair)

✔ Why It Helps: Zinc is essential for wound healing, immune function, and reducing skin inflammation. Some research suggests that low zinc levels may be linked to more severe psoriasis symptoms.

✔ Best Sources:

• Shellfish (oysters, crab, shrimp)
• Pumpkin seeds and chickpeas
• Zinc supplements (15–30 mg per day)

6. Vitamin B12 (For Cell Regeneration)

✔ Why It Helps: Vitamin B12 is crucial for red blood cell production and DNA repair, supporting skin regeneration and immune balance. Some psoriasis patients have low B12 levels, and applying B12 creams has been shown to reduce scaling and irritation.

✔ Best Sources:

• Animal products (meat, eggs, dairy)
• Vitamin B12 supplements (especially for vegetarians/vegans)

7. Evening Primrose Oil

✔ Why It Helps: Contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an anti-inflammatory fatty acid that may help reduce skin irritation and redness. Some people with psoriasis find relief from dry, itchy skin when taking primrose oil supplements.

✔ Best Sources:

• Evening primrose oil supplements (500–1,000 mg per day)

Supplements That May Not Work for Psoriasis

While some supplements show promise, others have little scientific evidence backing them for psoriasis:

✖ Aloe Vera Pills – While aloe vera gel can soothe the skin, taking it orally has no proven benefit for psoriasis.
✖ Colloidal Silver – Marketed as an immune booster, but not supported by research and can have dangerous side effects.
✖ Detox Teas & Cleanses – Many claim to “flush out toxins,” but psoriasis is not caused by toxins—it’s an autoimmune condition.

How to Choose the Right Supplements for Psoriasis

✔ Check for Third-Party Testing – Choose reputable brands that test for purity and quality.
✔ Start with One or Two Supplements – Don’t overload your body with too many new supplements at once.
✔ Track Your Symptoms – Keep a journal to see if the supplement is making a difference.
✔ Consult Your Doctor – Some supplements can interact with medications, so always check with a healthcare provider.

Final Thoughts: Do Supplements Help Psoriasis?

While supplements won’t cure psoriasis, they can support overall skin health and help reduce inflammation when combined with a healthy diet and medical treatment.

✔ Best Supplements for Psoriasis:

• Vitamin D – Helps regulate immune response and reduce skin inflammation.
• Omega-3s (Fish Oil) – Supports hydration and lowers inflammation.
• Turmeric (Curcumin) – A natural anti-inflammatory.
• Probiotics – Supports gut health, which may improve psoriasis.
• Zinc & Vitamin B12 – Helps with skin repair and cell regeneration.

If you’re struggling with psoriasis, adding the right supplements may be the missing piece to improving your skin!

For natural, steroid-free psoriasis relief, explore Nopsor’s treatment, formulated with coal tar and salicylic acid to support psoriasis-prone skin. Learn more at www.nopsor-usa.com.

References

• National Psoriasis Foundation - Vitamin D for Psoriasis
  This article explores the potential benefits of Vitamin D supplementation for individuals with psoriasis, discussing current research and recommendations.
  https://www.psoriasis.org/advance/vitamin-d-for-psoriasis​

• Healthline - Which Vitamins Can Help Treat or Manage Psoriasis?
  This resource examines various vitamins and supplements, including Vitamin D, B12, and fish oil, that may improve psoriasis symptoms by reducing inflammation and supporting skin health.
  https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/vitamins-for-psoriasis​

• WebMD - Vitamins and Supplements for Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
  This article discusses the potential benefits of supplements like folic acid, fish oil, selenium, and Vitamin D in improving symptoms of moderate to severe psoriasis.
  https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/vitamins-supplements-psoriasis

1. Millsop, J. W., et al. (2014). Diet and psoriasis, part III: Role of nutritional supplements. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 71(4), 723-729.
2. Kimball, A. B., et al. (2008). Vitamin D: A novel therapeutic approach for psoriasis. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 7(2), 121-126.
3. Kobayashi, T., et al. (2019). Gut microbiome and psoriasis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(23), 5805.