Introduction: Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin condition where CD8+ T cells target and destroy melanocytes, leading to depigmented patches. Vitamin D has been found to play a key role in melanogenesis by stimulating melanocyte activity. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to autoimmune diseases like vitiligo, making vitamin D supplementation a potential therapeutic approach.
Objectives: This study aims to determine the efficacy of oral vitamin D supplementation on serum vitamin D levels and disease severity in vitiligo patients through an in-depth systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Results: A total of five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the study. All five studies reported serum vitamin D levels, while only two provided data on Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) scores. The overall mean difference in serum vitamin D levels before and after vitamin D supplementation was found to be statistically significant, with a consistent increase across all studies. Similarly, the mean difference in VASI scores was also statistically significant, showing a notable decrease in vitiligo severity after supplementation in the two studies. Homogeneity tests based on the Q statistic indicated significant heterogeneity and publication bias was identified in studies related to changes in serum vitamin D levels, but not in those measuring VASI scores.
Conclusion: Oral vitamin D supplementation significantly increases serum vitamin D levels and may improve vitiligo severity. Studies with larger sample sizes and standardized methodologies are needed to further confirm these findings.