Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a long-lasting inflammatory skin disease associated with immune dysregulation, epi dermal barrier defects, and oxidative stress. New data indicate that vitamin deficiencies, especially of vitamin D and antioxidant vitamins, can be a part of the pathogenesis and severity of AD. Nevertheless, the results of studies are not consistent, and it is necessary to thoroughly assess the existing evidence. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses guidelines. The analysis of the data was based on the characteristics of the studies, demographics of patients, levels of vitamins, and clinical outcomes. The most common finding was vitamin D deficiency, with the prevalence being as high as 75.6% in certain cohorts. Several studies indicated a negative correlation between serum vitamin D levels and the severity of the disease, but interventional studies revealed inconsistent results on clinical improvement. Antioxidant vitamins, especially vitamins E and C, were continuously depleted in AD patients and correlated with more oxidative stress and severity of the disease. Some trials showed a considerable clinical improvement with vitamin E supplementation. Patients with AD also had lower vitamin A levels, but the relationship with the severity of the disease was less stable. Additionally, several studies indicated comorbid deficiencies in more than one vitamin, which indicated a cumulative influence on the pathophysiology of diseases. Although supplementation demonstrates possible advantages, particularly in the case of antioxidant vitamins, the evidence is still inconsistent.

Key words: Vitamin status, vitamin deficiency, atopic dermatitis, pathophysiology, review