Supplements for Psoriasis: Which Ones are Worth Trying?

Living with psoriasis can feel like a never-ending cycle of flare-ups and frustrations. If you’ve tried every cream and prescription under the sun, the thought of turning to supplements might seem tempting. But do they actually work, or are they just another shot in the dark?

We’ve looked into the most popular supplements for psoriasis to help you figure out which ones are worth a try.

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

Why Try It: Omega-3s have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Since inflammation is at the heart of psoriasis, reducing it could help manage flare-ups.

What the Science Says:
Research shows that omega-3 supplements can help reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms, like scaling and itching (Millsop et al., 2014). Many people report improvements in skin redness and overall comfort.

How to Take It: Aim for 2-4 grams of EPA and DHA combined daily. Fish oil capsules or flaxseed oil are common sources.

✅ Worth Trying? Yes! Omega-3s have a good track record and benefit overall health too.

2. Vitamin D

Why Try It: Many people with psoriasis are found to be low in vitamin D. This vitamin helps regulate the immune system, which is often overactive in psoriasis.

What the Science Says:
Studies suggest vitamin D can help slow down skin cell growth and improve psoriasis symptoms, especially when combined with topical treatments (Kimball et al., 2008).

How to Take It: 1,000-5,000 IU daily, but get your levels tested first to avoid overdoing it.

✅ Worth Trying? Yes! It’s a relatively low-risk supplement that may help, especially if you’re deficient.

3. Probiotics

Why Try It: Your gut health is connected to your immune system. Some researchers believe improving your gut microbiome can help manage autoimmune conditions like psoriasis.

What the Science Says:
While research is still evolving, early studies show that probiotics can help reduce inflammation and improve skin health (Kobayashi et al., 2019).

How to Take It: Choose a probiotic supplement with strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

✅ Worth Trying? Maybe! If you have digestive issues or suspect a gut connection to your psoriasis, probiotics could help.

4. Turmeric (Curcumin)

Why Try It: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

What the Science Says:
Studies have shown that curcumin can help reduce psoriasis symptoms by calming inflammation and slowing skin cell growth (Antiga et al., 2015).

How to Take It: 500-1,000 mg of curcumin daily, ideally with black pepper for better absorption.

✅ Worth Trying? Yes! It’s safe for most people and can be a useful addition to your psoriasis toolkit.

5. Zinc

Why Try It: Zinc plays a role in immune function and skin health. Some people with psoriasis may have lower zinc levels.

What the Science Says:
There’s limited research, but some people report symptom relief with zinc supplementation (Gupta et al., 2014).

How to Take It: 15-30 mg daily, but avoid long-term use without medical advice.

⚠️ Worth Trying? Maybe! If you’re zinc-deficient, it could help, but don’t go overboard.

Supplements to Skip

Not all supplements live up to the hype. Here are a few that lack solid evidence for helping with psoriasis:

• Evening Primrose Oil: Popular but not proven effective for psoriasis.
• Aloe Vera Capsules: Topical aloe can help, but oral supplements show little benefit.
• Milk Thistle: Often touted for detox, but no solid proof it helps with psoriasis.

Final Thoughts

Supplements aren’t a magic cure, but they can be a helpful part of your psoriasis management plan. Always consult with your doctor before adding new supplements, especially if you’re taking medications or have other health conditions.

And remember, consistency is key. Like any treatment, it takes time to see results.

If you’re looking for more ways to manage your psoriasis naturally, check out Nopsor’s website for products designed with your skin’s needs in mind.

References

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.
4. Antiga, E., et al. (2015). Effects of curcumin on psoriasis. BioMed Research International, 2015, 283634.
5. Gupta, M., et al. (2014). Role of trace elements in psoriasis. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 59(2), 171-175.