Abstract
A number of studies have looked at Vitamin D supplementation as a possible means of therapy for atopic dermatitis (AD). The aim of this review was to summarize the current evidence on the role of vitamin D supplementation in the management of AD using the data from published clinical studies. We searched PubMed and Cochrane Central Registry of Trials to look for studies evaluating the effects of vitamin D in AD. Four studies which specifically investigated vitamin D supplementation and its possible role as a management tool in AD were identified; three of these were randomized. The evidence from the studies suggests that vitamin D may be a beneficial tool in the management of AD. However, due to the paucity in the number of studies, small sample sizes and variability in study designs and dosages, it is difficult to definitively conclude at this time whether vitamin D supplementation can be recommended as a management tool in patients with atopic dermatitis. Further observational and randomized studies investigating the effects of vitamin D in AD are warranted.
Keywords: Atopic dermatitis, cholecalciferol, eczema, ergocalficferol, dietary supplements, vitamin D.
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