Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with Mediterranean diet improves acne severity: Study

A new study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology unveiled the potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA), specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in combating acne severity through their anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, eicosanoids, and insulin-like growth factor-1 which makes them a potential therapeutic option for individuals with acne, particularly in individuals with these deficiencies. Thus, Anne Guertler and team undertook this study to increase EPA and DHA levels in acne patients through dietary interventions and supplementation to observe their clinical effects.

Over a 16-week period, 60 patients with acne who were not on any prescription medication participated in the study. These participants included 23 individuals with acne comedonica (AC) and 37 with acne papulopustulosa (AP). The participants followed a Mediterranean diet and received oral supplementation with algae-derived ω-3 FA. In the first eight weeks, they were prescribed 600 mg of DHA followed by 300 mg of EPA weekly, and in the next eight weeks, the dosage was increased to 800 mg of DHA and 400 mg of EPA. The blood levels of EPA and DHA were monitored at four visits using the HS-omega 3 index® that measured EPA and DHA as a percentage of total identified fatty acids in erythrocytes. Clinical assessments and standardized questionnaires were also used to evaluate the progress of these participants.

At the beginning of the study, 98.3% of participants were found to have an EPA/DHA deficit. Over the course of the study, the mean HS-omega 3 index® increased significantly from 4.9% at the first visit to 8.3% at the final visit, demonstrating a substantial improvement (p < 0.001). Patients with AC had notably higher indices than those with AP by the end of the study (p = 0.035). Clinically, both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions showed significant improvement (p < 0.001). Although four patients reported a worsened appearance, overall quality of life improved, particularly for those with AP (p < 0.001).

The study found that dietary triggers for acne were more clearly defined than beneficial foods. A marked reduction in the intake of cow's milk and dairy products was observed among participants (p < 0.001) with a definite adherence to the Mediterranean diet and supplementation protocol. Overall, this study underlined the potential of ω-3 FA supplementation as a potential intervention for acne management by focusing the importance of dietary approaches in achieving optimal skin health.

Reference:

Guertler, A., Neu, K., Lill, D., Clanner‐Engelshofen, B., French, L. E., & Reinholz, M. (2024). Exploring the potential of omega‐3 fatty acids in acne patients: A prospective intervention study. In Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16434