Frequently Asked QuestionsCan a gluten-free diet help with vitiligo?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a gluten-free diet help with vitiligo?

It's very unlikely. We have specifically looked into claims that gluten-free diet may ease symptoms of vitiligo, or completely reverse it, and found no firm scientific evidence to support this theory.

Gluten is a storage protein in wheat, rye, and barley that puffs up when baked with yeast. It may promote inflammation and intestinal damage in the 0.7% of the population with celiac disease. Children and infants are most likely to show signs of a wheat allergy or gluten intolerance, which are different conditions with similar symptoms.

If you are wondering about gluten in your child's diet, or someone in your family has a history of food allergies, it is best to get a confirmed diagnosis before you start messing with diet. Two to three months of a gluten-restricted diet is enough to see if it can help your vitiligo.

Contrary to many beliefs, gluten-free diets often aren’t very healthy. For example, when teens go gluten-free, they are much more likely to become overweight and to eat less fiber, calcium and iron but consume more fat.

 

Suggested reading: Is there a special diet for vitiligo?

FAQOther Questions

  • What are rules for military service entry with vitiligo?

    Military service · Patient guide How do military-service rules for vitiligo differ across countries? There is no global standard. Every country writes its own entry rules, and m...

  • Is vitiligo contagious?

    Vitiligo is not contagious. This means it cannot be spread from person to person through physical contact, sharing personal items, or any other means of transmission. Vitiligo i...

  • Can Ayurveda help with vitiligo?

    Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic medicine, focuses on balancing body energies (Doshas) and improving digestion. While it offers a valuable perspective on "whole-b...