Recent research has found that excessive calorie restriction in dieting could increase the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, a chronic inflammatory skin and joint condition.
According to findings published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, researchers examined the causal relationships between three popular diet types — vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie — and common inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis and acne.

The study showed a significant association between low-calorie diets and a higher likelihood of psoriatic arthritis. In contrast, vegan and gluten-free diets were not linked to any increase or decrease in inflammatory skin diseases.

Diet and Skin Health Connection:

Inflammatory skin disorders, including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, are chronic conditions often driven by immune system dysfunction and inflammation. Despite medical advancements, relapse and persistent symptoms remain common, prompting growing interest in lifestyle-based interventions such as diet modification.

The study suggests that prolonged calorie restriction may lead to nutrient deficiencies that disrupt immune balance and promote inflammation — factors that could contribute to the development of psoriatic arthritis.

Researchers emphasized that this is the first MRI-based study exploring the causal links between popular diet patterns and inflammatory skin conditions. They concluded that overly restrictive diets may not always be beneficial and could potentially have adverse effects on skin and joint health