UPDATE ON NUTRITION AND PSORIASIS

Background It has been established that severe psoriasis may lead to n utrient depletion, especially of protein, folate, and iron. Nutrient l oss occurs due to the accelerated loss of nutrients from the hyperprol iferation and desquamation of the epidermal layer of skin in psoriasis . We have proposed that nutritional support as a secondary form of the rapy may be beneficial in aiding some psoriasis patients return to a s tate of remission. Methods. To determine how frequently nutritional ab normalities occur in hospitalized psoriasis patients, a retrospective analysis was done of the nutritional status of 50 patients admitted fo r the treatment of psoriasis. Chart records were analyzed and laborato ry data were interpreted in consideration of concurrent medical proble ms. Protein status and anemia were the primary nutritional indicators studied. Results. We found that of those parameters that may be used a s indicators of nutritional status, 18% of the patients had a decrease d total protein, 16% of the patients had a decreased serum albumin, 38 % had an elevated mean corpuscular volume, and 39% had a decreased hem atocrit. Conclusions. Our findings support the concept that widespread psoriasis places the patient at risk to develop minor nutritional abn ormalities in protein and folate status even when accounting for confo unding medications and coexistent diseases.