Can vitiligo be caused by food allergies?

Vitiligo is now clearly recognised as a depigmenting skin condition of autoimmune origin, resulting from a malfunction of the immune system. It affects between 0.5 and 2% of the global population. Its development is influenced by genetic and environmental factors , as well as abnormalities in metabolism, oxidative stress, and cell detachment.

No scientific study has demonstrated a direct link between vitiligo and food allergies. However, the latter can indirectly affect the immune system and thus could potentially be associated with the onset of vitiligo.

When an individual consumes a food to which they are allergic, their immune system responds excessively, causing a inflammation and a disruption of the immune balance. Now, vitiligo being an autoimmune disease, any imbalance in the immune system can potentially influence its progression. Moreover, food allergies can disrupt the digestive and hormonal system, which can have repercussions on immunity. For instance, chronic inflammation of the intestine due to a food allergy could promote a pro-inflammatory state in the body, thereby increasing oxidative stress and autoimmune responses, two factors involved in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Therefore, even though there is no proven link, it is recommended for individuals with vitiligo to monitor their diet and avoid foods that may trigger allergic reactions, in order to minimise any disruption of the immune system.

This is why the gluten, often the cause of intolerance in some individuals, could play a role in the development of vitiligo. The abnormal immune response triggered by the consumption of gluten then causes a systemic inflammation that can disrupt the immune system and create new autoimmune responses. Some researchers suggest that coeliac disease and vitiligo could be linked by the same immune signal, influenced by a diet rich in gluten. A study conducted on 128 participants, equally divided between controls and patients with vitiligo, revealed the presence of various specific antibodies of coeliac disease. These markers indicate an abnormal autoimmune response, similar to that observed in people suffering from vitiligo.

Although vitiligo is associated with an immune system malfunction, potentially triggered by factors such as food allergies, there is no concrete evidence to confirm this hypothesis. Therefore, it would be relevant to conduct more in-depth research to better understand this relationship.