Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin A and its derivatives (retinoids) have a scientific basis for use in the management of psoriasis. Retinoids are a class of compounds that include vitamin A (retinol), its natural and synthetic analogs, and their metabolites. In dermatology, systemic retinoids such as acitretin, which are chemically related to vitamin A, are FDA-approved for the treatment of severe psoriasis. These drugs help normalize keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, reduce inflammation, and can lead to clinical improvement in psoriatic lesions. However, these effects are observed at pharmacological doses of synthetic retinoids, not from dietary vitamin A supplementation (such as vitamin A palmitate). There is little direct evidence supporting the use of over-the-counter vitamin A palmitate supplements for treating psoriasis. High doses of vitamin A can be toxic and are not recommended due to the risk of hypervitaminosis A. The scientific validation is thus specific to pharmaceutical retinoids rather than standard vitamin A supplements. Historical use of topical vitamin A in psoriasis exists, but with limited efficacy and replaced largely by more potent retinoid medications. In summary, the scientific evidence supports the use of retinoic acid derivatives (prescription retinoids) in psoriasis, but not dietary vitamin A supplementation. The evidence score reflects this distinction: strong for synthetic retinoids, weak for vitamin A palmitate.

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