Association between Vitamin D Level and Acne, and Correlation with Disease Severity: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Vitamin D deficiency is frequently associated with several medical conditions. However, a comprehensive meta-analysis assessing the association between vitamin D level and acne is lacking. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To determine the relationship between vitamin D level and acne, and to assess the association between vitamin D level and acne severity. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This meta-analysis was assessed by using the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Scopus databases following the PRISMA guidelines. Serum/plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level, vitamin D deficiency, and the severity association between acne patients and healthy controls (HCs) were evaluated. The quality assessment was performed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Thirteen articles with a total of 1,362 acne patients and 1,081 HCs were included. The circulating 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in patients with acne than in HCs (pooled MD = –9.02 ng/mL, 95% CI = –13.22 to –4.81, <i>p</i> < 0.0001). Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in acne patients than in HCs (pooled OR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.68–5.23, <i>I</i><sup>2</sup> = 72%). Also, vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with acne severity. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This meta-analysis demonstrated the significantly low vitamin D levels in acne patients. Also, there was evidence of an inverse association between vitamin D levels and acne severity. Therefore, vitamin D might be involved in the pathogenesis of acne.

The Relationship between Vitamin D, Body Mass Index and some Dietary Products with Acne Vulgaris; A Case-Control study in Baghdad/Iraq

“…21 Similar findings were reported in a case-control study by Hasamoh et al, who found no significant association between vitamin D levels and the severity of acne vulgaris, which was conducted in Saudi Arabia. 22 In contrast to our finding a systemic review included 10 studies found that all studies (8 of 10) revealed lower serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels as the acne severity progresses, although 2 of them were not statistically significant. 23 A small sample size case control study (33 cases and 25 controls receiving vitamin D supplement) in Iraq found that vitamin D deficiency was more frequent in patients with acne, which was inversely related with disease severity, however patient in control group had receive vitamin D supplementation.…”

Long‐term exposure to low levels of ambient UVB are associated with a decreased risk of moderate‐to‐severe acne: A retrospective cohort study in college students

“…33 Vitamin D deficiency was also associated with acne severity and might involve in acne pathogenesis. 34 In the current study, UV at 305 and 310 nm only showed beneficial effects under relatively low levels of exposure (sun exposure time <1 h/day). UV's immunomodulatory effects also exhibits a dose-dependent manner.…”

“…Besides, UVB radiation induces the synthesis of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 to reduce the ability of dendritic cells to secret proinflammatory cytokines 33 . Vitamin D deficiency was also associated with acne severity and might involve in acne pathogenesis 34 …”

Role of vitamin D supplement adjunct to topical benzoyl peroxide in acne: a randomized double-blinded controlled study

“…9 The vitamin D receptor is found in many organs of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, immune cells, brain, and skin. 10 Many skin diseases, including lupus erythematosus, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, acne, alopecia areata, and skin cancer, have been linked to vitamin D. 11 A recent meta-analysis 12 demonstrated significantly low vitamin D levels in patients with acne. There is also some evidence of an inverse association between acne severity and vitamin D levels.…”

“…A recent meta-analysis 12 demonstrated significantly low vitamin D levels in patients with acne. There is also some evidence of an inverse association between acne severity and vitamin D levels.…”