Chronic urticaria and vitamin D supplementations: a systematic review

Abstract Background Chronic urticaria (CU), especially chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), is a long-term inflammatory skin condition marked by wheals and/or angioedema lasting over six weeks. Emerging evidence suggests a link between vitamin D deficiency and immune dysregulation associated with CU...

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Main Authors: Ayesha Siddiqui, Aruna Bai, Haresh Kumar, Yash Roop Mandhwani, Anjali Bai, Priya Bai, Neha kumar, F. N. U. Muskan, Sumaiya Jatoi, Zulfiqar Ali, Abida Parveen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:European Journal of Medical Research
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-025-02852-5
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author Ayesha Siddiqui
Aruna Bai
Haresh Kumar
Yash Roop Mandhwani
Anjali Bai
Priya Bai
Neha kumar
F. N. U. Muskan
Sumaiya Jatoi
Zulfiqar Ali
Abida Parveen
author_facet Ayesha Siddiqui
Aruna Bai
Haresh Kumar
Yash Roop Mandhwani
Anjali Bai
Priya Bai
Neha kumar
F. N. U. Muskan
Sumaiya Jatoi
Zulfiqar Ali
Abida Parveen
author_sort Ayesha Siddiqui
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Chronic urticaria (CU), especially chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), is a long-term inflammatory skin condition marked by wheals and/or angioedema lasting over six weeks. Emerging evidence suggests a link between vitamin D deficiency and immune dysregulation associated with CU. Given vitamin D’s immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, this review explores the therapeutic potential of vitamin D supplementation in CU management. Methods A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were searched using relevant keywords. Studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case–control, and observational studies assessing serum vitamin D levels or supplementation in patients with CU. Data extraction and bias assessment were independently conducted using standardized tools: the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results Eleven studies involving 1,491 participants were included. Most studies demonstrated significantly lower serum 25(OH)D levels in patients with CU compared to healthy controls. Vitamin D supplementation, particularly in individuals with a deficiency, was associated with reductions in urticaria activity scores, symptom severity, and improved quality of life. High-dose regimens (e.g., 4,000 IU/day or 60,000 IU/week) appeared more effective. However, results varied due to heterogeneity in study design, dosage, and patient characteristics. Conclusion Vitamin D supplementation may serve as a safe, accessible adjunct to standard CU treatment, particularly for those with confirmed deficiency. While evidence suggests potential benefits, further high-quality RCTs are needed to establish causality, optimal dosing, and long-term efficacy.
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spelling doaj-art-e7644b34c87542288be93f89846f13342025-08-20T03:45:57ZengBMCEuropean Journal of Medical Research2047-783X2025-07-013011910.1186/s40001-025-02852-5Chronic urticaria and vitamin D supplementations: a systematic reviewAyesha Siddiqui0Aruna Bai1Haresh Kumar2Yash Roop Mandhwani3Anjali Bai4Priya Bai5Neha kumar6F. N. U. Muskan7Sumaiya Jatoi8Zulfiqar Ali9Abida Parveen10Department of Medicine, Ibn E Seena HospitalDepartment of Medicine, Ibn E Seena HospitalDepartment of Medicine, Ibn E Seena HospitalDepartment of Medicine, Ibn E Seena HospitalDepartment of Medicine, Ibn E Seena HospitalDepartment of Medicine, Ibn E Seena HospitalDepartment of Medicine, Ibn E Seena HospitalDepartment of Medicine, Ibn E Seena HospitalDepartment of Medicine, Ibn E Seena HospitalDepartment of Medicine, Ibn E Seena HospitalDepartment of Medicine, Ibn E Seena HospitalAbstract Background Chronic urticaria (CU), especially chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), is a long-term inflammatory skin condition marked by wheals and/or angioedema lasting over six weeks. Emerging evidence suggests a link between vitamin D deficiency and immune dysregulation associated with CU. Given vitamin D’s immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, this review explores the therapeutic potential of vitamin D supplementation in CU management. Methods A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were searched using relevant keywords. Studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case–control, and observational studies assessing serum vitamin D levels or supplementation in patients with CU. Data extraction and bias assessment were independently conducted using standardized tools: the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results Eleven studies involving 1,491 participants were included. Most studies demonstrated significantly lower serum 25(OH)D levels in patients with CU compared to healthy controls. Vitamin D supplementation, particularly in individuals with a deficiency, was associated with reductions in urticaria activity scores, symptom severity, and improved quality of life. High-dose regimens (e.g., 4,000 IU/day or 60,000 IU/week) appeared more effective. However, results varied due to heterogeneity in study design, dosage, and patient characteristics. Conclusion Vitamin D supplementation may serve as a safe, accessible adjunct to standard CU treatment, particularly for those with confirmed deficiency. While evidence suggests potential benefits, further high-quality RCTs are needed to establish causality, optimal dosing, and long-term efficacy.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-025-02852-5Chronic urticarialChronic spontaneous urticarialVitamin DVitamin D supplementation25(OH)DImmunomodulation
spellingShingle Ayesha Siddiqui
Aruna Bai
Haresh Kumar
Yash Roop Mandhwani
Anjali Bai
Priya Bai
Neha kumar
F. N. U. Muskan
Sumaiya Jatoi
Zulfiqar Ali
Abida Parveen
Chronic urticaria and vitamin D supplementations: a systematic review
European Journal of Medical Research
Chronic urticarial
Chronic spontaneous urticarial
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supplementation
25(OH)D
Immunomodulation
title Chronic urticaria and vitamin D supplementations: a systematic review
title_full Chronic urticaria and vitamin D supplementations: a systematic review
title_fullStr Chronic urticaria and vitamin D supplementations: a systematic review
title_full_unstemmed Chronic urticaria and vitamin D supplementations: a systematic review
title_short Chronic urticaria and vitamin D supplementations: a systematic review
title_sort chronic urticaria and vitamin d supplementations a systematic review
topic Chronic urticarial
Chronic spontaneous urticarial
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supplementation
25(OH)D
Immunomodulation
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-025-02852-5
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