Protocol · Dermatological/Autoimmune
Vitiligo Supportive Care Protocol
Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid are the core of this stack, with 5 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Vitiligo Supportive Care.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
7 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (higher if deficient) | Immune modulation; deficiency common in vitiligo; may help with repigmentation in combination with other treatments | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid | Amount listed: B12: 1,000 mcg daily; Folic acid: 5 mg daily | Some studies show repigmentation with B12/folic acid plus sun exposure; supports melanocyte function | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Ginkgo Biloba | Amount listed: 60–120 mg standardized extract twice daily | Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; small studies suggest may halt progression and promote repigmentation
| Not graded yet | ||
| Antioxidant Complex | Amount listed: Combination of vitamin C, E, alpha-lipoic acid, zinc, selenium | Oxidative stress implicated in vitiligo; antioxidants may protect melanocytes | Not graded yet | ||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 30–50 mg daily | Antioxidant; some studies show benefit as adjunctive therapy; supports melanocyte function | Not graded yet | ||
| Phenylalanine | Amount listed: 50–100 mg/kg daily with sun exposure (requires medical supervision) | Precursor to melanin; studied with UV therapy for vitiligo | Not graded yet | ||
| Copper | Amount listed: 1–2 mg daily (do not exceed) | Essential for tyrosinase enzyme in melanin production; deficiency may impair pigmentation | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks melanocytes (pigment-producing cells), causing white patches on the skin. It affects about 1% of the population worldwide and can occur at any age.
TYPES:
- Non-segmental (generalized): Most common; symmetrical patches; can spread
- Segmental: One side of body; usually stable; often in younger people
- Universal: Most of body affected (rare)
ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS:
- Thyroid disease (especially Hashimoto's)
- Type 1 diabetes
- Addison's disease
- Pernicious anemia
- Other autoimmune conditions
WHAT TRIGGERS IT:
- Genetic predisposition
- Autoimmune attack on melanocytes
- Oxidative stress
- Stress (can trigger or worsen)
- Skin trauma (Koebner phenomenon)
- Sunburn
TREATMENT OPTIONS:
- Topical corticosteroids: First-line for localized vitiligo
- Calcineurin inhibitors: Tacrolimus, pimecrolimus (especially for face)
- Phototherapy: NB-UVB is gold standard for widespread disease
- JAK inhibitors: Ruxolitinib cream (Opzelura) - newly approved
- Depigmentation: For very extensive disease (remove remaining pigment)
- Surgical: Grafting for stable, localized disease
SUN PROTECTION:
- Vitiligo patches burn easily
- Use high SPF sunscreen on depigmented areas
- Paradoxically, controlled sun exposure can help with treatment
Vitamin D* is commonly deficient and supports immune regulation.
B12 and folic acid* have been studied for repigmentation.
Ginkgo biloba* shows promise in small studies.
Antioxidants* may help protect remaining melanocytes.
Expected timeline: Repigmentation is slow - takes months. Best results with combination approaches. Supplements are adjunctive to medical treatment.