Note regarding Vitiligo and Diet:

High consumption of food rich in phenol and polyphenolic compounds (tannins) may aggravate vitiligo.
This group of foods include red chillies, cashew, pistaschio, cassava, cherry, raspberry, cranberry, blackberry, mango, and tea. This cautionary note is based on recent research, which we will briefly summarize:

Phenol-containing chemicals can compete with tyrosine, an essential amino acid used for the synthesis of melanin, to produce a type of reactive sustance known as quinones. This reaction is amplified in Vitiligo due to the increase levels of hydrogen peroxide. A subsequent event would lead to autoimmune damage to tyrosinase, which is one of the key enzymes for the sysnthesis of skin pigment. Moreover, phenol molecules induce the release of inflammatory substances from keratinocytes. In addition to this tannins may induce death cell, block cellular enzymes, and make cell membrane fragile to chelation by metal ions. These combined effects would have the potential to aggravate vitiligo. The high phenol and tannin content of the foods widely consumed in countries like Mexico and India could explain why the highest incidence of vitiligo is seen in these countries.

Having said this, a nutritious, well-balanced, healthy diet is strongly recommended in cases of vitiligo. It can help balance your immune system and protect you from disease. It will also help recover from skin discoloration by providing essential Vitamins and Minerals that take part in the process that leads to the formation of new pigment. Recently a group of compounds known as phytochemicals have been the focus of research. They have been proven to protect against cell damage and disease. The following is a list of recognized foods with powerful natural chemicals that will boost your skin capacity to recover and stay healthy. A healthy diet includes:

Whole-grain food (great source of fibers, vitamins, minerals and "oligoelements").

Spinach (loaded with iron, and folic acid, helps reduce blood levels of homocysteine, a substance that may damage blood vessels. It contains phytochemicals that help prevent degeneration (ex. macular degeneration in the eye) and protect your skin.

Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, etc. - Contains abundant phytochemicals (good, protective substances found in vegetables and fruits) that may prevent skin cancer and balance the immune response, vitamin C, beta-carotene (do not overcook).

Vegetables of different colors - Each one contains different types of phytochemicals plus Vitamins, Minerals and other nutrients.

Different sources of protein (if possible include fish and soy products).

Nuts (if not allergic) - Rich in vitamin E, contain protective phytochemicals and "good fats", all beneficial for your skin.

Oats - Help lower cholesterol and high blood pressure but it also contain vitamin E like compounds (tocotrienols), which protect the skin.

Garlic - Protects the heart and skin, has antibacterial, antifungal properties.

Blueberries - Probably contain more anti-oxidants than any other fruit or vegetables. Contain powerful phytochemicals: anthocyanins that not only protect the skin but boost brainpower including memory.

Tomatoes - Contains lycopene, the most powerful antioxidant among the carotenoids. Carotenoids gives fruits and vegetables an orange color. Also a great source of Vit C.

Fruits - Contain different combinations of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants of great benefit for your body in general and very importantly, for your skin.

Apple and onion are beneficial for Vitiligo because they are rich in Quercetin.

Drinking enough fluids every day is important for your skin.


Supplement your treatment with 7 servings of fruits or vegetables a day. One serving of a vegetable or fruit is:

- 1 medium sized vegetable or fruit - ½ cup (125 ml) juice - ½ cup (125 ml) raw, cooked, fresh, frozen or canned, vegetables or fruits - 1 cup (250 ml) raw, leafy vegetables - ¼ cup dried fruit

Adding a supplement with all the main Vitamins and Minerals is recommended.

But now there is more, DermaBest has introduced DermaBest® Total Approach Based on new Vitiligo research, how to: Prevent new depigmentation. Make Novitil® even more effective. Reduce treatment time and cost. Improve your health. What you are about to read will change your ideas about Vitiligo treatment. See full details here