What Vitamin Are You Lacking If You Have Psoriasis? Exploring Key Deficiencies

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2022 study, 60% of people with psoriasis had a vitamin D deficiency compared to 17.5% in a control group, highlighting a strong link between nutrition and this inflammatory skin condition. This leads many to question what vitamin are you lacking if you have psoriasis and how addressing this might help manage symptoms.

Quick Summary

People with psoriasis often experience deficiencies in key nutrients like Vitamin D and Vitamin B12, which can exacerbate inflammation and compromise skin health. Adopting a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet can support overall well-being and complement standard medical treatments.

Key Points

Vitamin D Deficiency: Strongly linked with psoriasis severity and inflammation, often managed with both topical treatments and oral supplementation.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Can cause elevated homocysteine levels, which promote inflammation; topical treatments have shown promise.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Have anti-inflammatory properties and may help manage symptoms, especially when combined with other therapies, although research is mixed.
Dietary Strategy: Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, is often more beneficial than focusing on a single nutrient.
Medical Guidance: Always consult a doctor before starting any supplements to confirm deficiencies and avoid potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
Selenium and Zinc: Psoriasis patients may have lower levels, but the evidence for supplementation benefits is less conclusive.

The Primary Suspects: Vitamin D and B12

While it is important to remember that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease and not directly caused by a vitamin deficiency, research consistently shows that low levels of certain nutrients are prevalent in many patients. Addressing these deficiencies, under a doctor's guidance, may help manage symptoms and improve overall health.

The Vitamin D Connection

Vitamin D is arguably the most studied vitamin in relation to psoriasis. It functions as a hormone and plays a crucial role in immune system regulation and the normal proliferation and differentiation of skin cells (keratinocytes). In psoriasis, the overgrowth of keratinocytes leads to the characteristic scaly plaques.

Deficiency is widespread: A 2022 study found that severe psoriasis patients frequently have significantly lower vitamin D levels, and these low levels were linked to greater disease severity.
Impact on inflammation: Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties and can suppress the activity of T-cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are central to the psoriatic inflammatory process.
Treatment role: The link is so strong that topical and oral vitamin D derivatives are commonly prescribed to help slow down skin cell growth. Moderate sun exposure also helps the body produce vitamin D, which is why phototherapy is an effective treatment, though skin cancer risks must be managed.

The Vitamin B12 and Folate Connection

Another common deficiency seen in psoriasis patients relates to Vitamin B12 and folate. These nutrients are critical for cell regeneration and regulating the amino acid homocysteine.

Higher homocysteine levels: People with psoriasis often have elevated homocysteine levels, which can be caused by low vitamin B12 and folate. High homocysteine is thought to promote the inflammatory process involved in psoriasis.
Topical vs. Oral B12: While studies on oral B12 supplementation for psoriasis are mixed, research on topical applications has shown more promise. A small 2017 study found that topical vitamin B12 ointment led to lower disease severity scores after 12 weeks.
Rapid cell turnover: The accelerated rate of skin cell production in psoriasis can deplete the body's folate stores more quickly.

Other Important Nutrients to Consider

Beyond Vitamins D and B12, several other nutrients are implicated in psoriasis management due to their anti-inflammatory or antioxidant roles.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish, these healthy fats are well-known for their anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies suggest they may help reduce psoriasis symptoms, particularly when combined with other treatments, but overall evidence is mixed.
Antioxidants (Vitamin C, E, Selenium): Chronic inflammation leads to oxidative stress, an imbalance that damages cells. Antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Selenium help combat this. While psoriasis patients can have lower selenium levels, the impact of supplementation is not fully clear. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is the best way to increase antioxidant intake.
Zinc: Decreased levels of zinc have been observed in people with psoriasis. Zinc is important for wound healing and immune function, but clear evidence for supplementation benefits is limited.

Nutritional Comparison for Psoriasis


Nutrient	Common Deficiency?	Primary Function in Psoriasis	Role of Supplementation	Best Sources (Dietary)
Vitamin D	High	Regulates immune response, slows keratinocyte growth	Prescribed orally and topically to improve symptoms, requires medical supervision for higher doses	Fatty fish, fortified dairy/cereals, sun exposure
Vitamin B12	Possible	Breaks down homocysteine, aids cell regeneration	Topical applications show promise; oral supplement benefit debated	Nutritional yeast, fish, meat, eggs
Omega-3s	Potential	Anti-inflammatory properties	Some evidence suggests benefit, especially combined with other treatments	Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseed, walnuts
Selenium	Possible	Antioxidant, immune regulation	Evidence for efficacy is inconclusive	Brazil nuts, fish, whole grains
Vitamin A	Possible	Normalizes skin cell growth and differentiation	Retinoid analogs are effective treatments; oral supplementation less clear	Leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes

A Holistic Approach: Beyond Single Nutrients

While correcting specific deficiencies is important, it is most effective when part of a broader, healthy lifestyle. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is often recommended for managing psoriasis. This approach focuses on nutrient-dense foods that naturally reduce inflammation.

Key components of an anti-inflammatory diet include:

Abundant fruits and vegetables: Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.
Healthy fats: Prioritize omega-3s from fish and healthy oils like extra-virgin olive oil.
Lean protein: Focus on fish, poultry, beans, and lentils while limiting red meat and processed meats.
Probiotics: Foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi can support gut health, which is linked to immune function.
Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can significantly reduce psoriasis severity.

Conclusion: Personalized Nutrition for Psoriasis

For many individuals, the question of what vitamin are you lacking if you have psoriasis often points towards Vitamin D and Vitamin B12, but other nutrients like omega-3s, selenium, and zinc can also be a factor. The relationship is complex, and deficiencies may be a consequence of the disease's chronic inflammatory state rather than the direct cause. However, for individuals with a confirmed deficiency, supplementation can be a valuable part of a comprehensive management plan. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for testing before starting any new supplement regimen, as excessive intake can have adverse effects. Combining targeted supplementation with a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet and other medical treatments offers a powerful strategy for improving symptoms and overall well-being. For more information on nutritional strategies for managing psoriasis, visit the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a vitamin deficiency does not directly cause psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, but deficiencies in certain vitamins, especially D and B12, are common in patients and can contribute to the severity of symptoms.

A vitamin D deficiency can only be confirmed through a blood test ordered by a healthcare provider. Symptoms can be subtle but may include bone pain or fatigue.

If you have a confirmed deficiency, supplementation is often recommended and can help improve symptoms. However, you should discuss the appropriate dosage with your doctor, as excessive vitamin D can be harmful.

The evidence for oral B12 supplementation improving psoriasis symptoms is inconclusive. However, some studies have shown more promising results with topical B12 cream, which can soothe itchiness and redness.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce psoriasis symptoms. Some studies show a benefit, particularly when used with other therapies, but results are mixed.

There is no single cure-all diet, but an anti-inflammatory diet, like the Mediterranean diet, is often recommended. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods, sugar, and red meat.

No, vitamins and supplements are not a replacement for conventional medical treatments. They should be considered a complementary strategy, used under a doctor’s supervision to manage symptoms and support overall health.

Psoriasis patients often have higher levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, due to insufficient folate and B12. High homocysteine is believed to promote inflammation, a key feature of psoriasis.