The role of vitamin D in atopic dermatitis

Dermatitis. 2015 Jul-Aug;26(4):155-61. doi: 10.1097/DER.0000000000000128.

Abstract

Vitamin D has been suggested to have an important impact on a much wider aspects on human health than calcium homeostasis and mineral metabolism, specifically in the field of human immunology. It has been reported that vitamin D influences the regulation of both innate and adaptive immune systems, which makes the association between vitamin D and allergic diseases a field of interest. Although many studies have sought to determine whether vitamin D has an influence on progression of allergic disease, the impact of vitamin D on atopic dermatitis development and severity remains unclear. In this review, we summarize recent studies relating vitamin D to atopic dermatitis and discuss its possible role in the pathogenesis of allergic skin diseases, emphasizing the need for well-designed, prospective trials on vitamin D supplementation in the context of prevention and treatment for allergic conditions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dermatitis, Atopic / drug therapy
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / epidemiology
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / immunology*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Skin / immunology*
  • Vitamin D / immunology*
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / epidemiology
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D