Researchers have found in a new randomized trial that adherence to a Mediterranean diet significantly reduced psoriasis severity in patients with mild to moderate disease on stable topical therapy, likely through anti-inflammatory metabolic and molecular pathways, without requiring weight loss.
The trial investigated whether following a Mediterranean diet — rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and healthy fats such as olive oil — could improve clinical outcomes for psoriasis patients independent of weight loss. Researchers observed significant reductions in disease severity, suggesting that benefits stemmed from the diet’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
These properties are thought to modulate immune responses and reduce systemic inflammation, which play critical roles in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Importantly, patients maintained their usual topical treatments, meaning improvements were not confounded by changes in medication. By isolating diet as the main variable, the study provides strong evidence that lifestyle modifications can directly influence disease outcomes.
The authors conclude that encouraging psoriasis patients to adopt a Mediterranean dietary pattern could become an effective part of clinical care. Given its additional cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, the diet offers a holistic approach that addresses comorbidities often present in psoriasis patients, such as metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.
The findings support broader integration of dietary counselling in dermatological practice and open new avenues for research on diet–disease interactions. The study positions the Mediterranean diet not only as a lifestyle choice but also as a targeted strategy for reducing disease burden in chronic inflammatory conditions.
Reference: Kohli KK, et al. Mediterranean diet and psoriasis severity: randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2025. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.3449
.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.