Mediterranean Diet Efficacy in Psoriasis

Jack Cush, MD

Oct 13, 2025 10:00 am

A small clinical trial found that a 16-week Mediterranean diet reduced psoriasis severity, presumably due to anti-inflammatory benefits of extra virgin olive oil, plant-based foods, and moderate meat consumption, according to a study published in JAMA Dermatology.

The MEDIPSO (Impact of the Mediterranean Diet on Patients With Psoriasis) study was an open-label, single-center, randomized clinical trial studied the effects of a Mediterranean diet by enrolling 38 adults, with mild to moderate psoriasis. The primary endpoint was the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index at 16-weeks. compared with a control group receiving low-fat dietary advice.

They enrolled adults with mild to moderate psoriasis (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI] of 2-10, receiving stable topical therapy. The intervention group received a 16-week, dietitian-guided Mediterranean diet program, including nutritional counseling, educational materials, and weekly provision of extra virgin olive oil. The control group received standard low-fat dietary advice without dietitian supervision.

A total of 38 participants were randomized (mean age 46 years; 66% male); 37 individuals (97.4%) completed the study. The PASI change at week 16 was :

Intervention group: −3.4 (95% CI, −4.4 to −2.4)
Control group: 0.0 (95% CI, −1.0 to
P < .001.

PASI75 was achieved in 47% of those on the vs none in the control group.

The hemoglobin A_1c was also significantly lower on the Mediterranean diet (P = .01). Important as HgbA1c has been correlated with psoriasis.

This small clinical trial supports previous studies showing benefits of a Mediterranean diet intervention in psoriasis patients and that dietary strategies may be adjunctive and beneficial. .

Mediterranean Diet and Patients With Psoriasis