We aimed to understand how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) affects psoriasis, a skin condition known for causing redness, irritation, and thickened skin. By creating skin models that reflect both healthy and psoriatic conditions, we were able to assess the impact of EPA directly on lipid profiles—a key factor in skin health.
Our research revealed that in psoriatic skin models, there was a notable increase in certain fatty acids linked to inflammation, such as arachidonic acid (AA) and linoleic acid (LA). However, when we supplemented the media with EPA, we noticed a significant shift. The levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), rose in both epidermal and dermal tissues.
More importantly, the addition of EPA helped to balance the production of lipid mediators in the skin. We observed increases in several anti-inflammatory molecules, such as prostaglandin E (PGE) and 12-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (12-HEPE), indicating a move toward a more stable and healthier skin environment. These results suggest that EPA could play an important role in managing psoriasis by promoting a healthier lipid balance in the skin, potentially easing symptoms and encouraging skin healing.
We assessed the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, on psoriasis through intravenous administration in a series of studies. The investigation aimed to understand whether replacing arachidonic acid, which has pro-inflammatory properties, with EPA could be beneficial for patients suffering from psoriasis.
Participants received daily infusions of either an EPA-based lipid emulsion or a conventional n-6 lipid emulsion. Throughout the studies, we closely monitored the clinical progression of psoriasis, along with specific inflammatory markers in the blood.
Our findings were notable: the group receiving the n-3 fatty acid treatment showed a significantly higher response rate. We observed a remarkable tenfold increase in specific products derived from neutrophils, indicating enhanced benefits from EPA. Additionally, plasma levels of EPA rose swiftly within just a few days of treatment.
In summary, our research suggests that intravenous administration of n-3 fatty acids effectively reduces psoriasis symptoms, likely due to alterations in inflammatory processes. This rapid response contrasts sharply with slower improvements seen with oral supplementation of fatty acids.
Read More
9
Rapid improvement in psoriasis
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of n-3 fatty acid based lipid infusion in acute, extended guttate psoriasis. Rapid improvement of clinical manifestations and changes in neutrophil leukotriene profile.
We explored the effectiveness of a specialized treatment regimen involving docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as part of an n-3 fatty acid lipid infusion for patients suffering from acute guttate psoriasis. This study included twenty hospitalized individuals with significant skin involvement and was conducted in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled manner to ensure reliable results.
Participants received either a daily infusion of the n-3 fatty acid emulsion, which contained DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or a conventional n-6 lipid emulsion lacking significant benefits from omega-3s. We recorded clinical changes over ten days, assessing factors such as skin redness, swelling, and peeling, along with patients' subjective feelings about their symptoms.
The results were telling: those receiving the n-3 infusion showed a remarkable improvement in their psoriasis symptoms—between 45% and 76%—within just ten days. In contrast, the n-6 group experienced only moderate improvement, around 16-25%. Furthermore, we noted significant changes in the patients' immune response. The n-3 group had an increased production of beneficial leukotriene products, while inflammatory markers decreased, suggesting a positive modulation of the body's inflammatory response by DHA and EPA.
Overall, our investigation highlights a potential rapid benefit of using n-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, in treating acute psoriasis. This indicates a promising avenue for improving the lives of those affected by this challenging skin condition.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Skin health improved
The quality is superb; it has significantly helped me with psoriasis and improved my skin health. Additionally, it boosts immunity, reduces excess cholesterol, and aids with inflammation.
Read More
7.5
Relieved symptoms
I order this product frequently, and my whole family loves it. My daughter with psoriasis takes three capsules, which alleviates her symptoms. I take two capsules and began using them due to dry hair and skin; surprisingly, my cholesterol levels normalised after many years of being high, as confirmed by my recent blood test. I highly recommend it.
Read More
7.5
Various health benefits
Excellent! Discover the benefits of Omega 3: it prevents heart diseases, aids in weight loss, enhances brain function, improves eyesight, supports skin health, treats psoriasis, strengthens the immune system, reduces feelings of depression and anxiety, and assists with vitamin deficiencies and attention disorders.
We evaluated the impact of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation, alongside eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), in patients suffering from chronic, stable psoriasis. This study involved 80 participants, 34 of whom also had psoriatic arthritis, and they were given specific doses of fatty acid ethyl esters for a period of eight weeks.
The results showed a noteworthy decrease in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores, which went from an average of 3.56 before treatment to 1.24 after eight weeks. This significant reduction illustrates the potential effectiveness of DHA for managing symptoms of psoriasis, such as itching and plaque scaling.
It was particularly encouraging to see that seven patients were completely healed, with many others experiencing significant improvement. The majority of those with psoriatic arthritis reported feeling less joint pain during the study. Through our observations, it became clear that polyunsaturated ethyl ester lipids, like DHA, may serve as a valuable complement to traditional therapies for both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
We assessed the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, on psoriasis through intravenous administration in a series of studies. The investigation aimed to understand whether replacing arachidonic acid, which has pro-inflammatory properties, with EPA could be beneficial for patients suffering from psoriasis.
Participants received daily infusions of either an EPA-based lipid emulsion or a conventional n-6 lipid emulsion. Throughout the studies, we closely monitored the clinical progression of psoriasis, along with specific inflammatory markers in the blood.
Our findings were notable: the group receiving the n-3 fatty acid treatment showed a significantly higher response rate. We observed a remarkable tenfold increase in specific products derived from neutrophils, indicating enhanced benefits from EPA. Additionally, plasma levels of EPA rose swiftly within just a few days of treatment.
In summary, our research suggests that intravenous administration of n-3 fatty acids effectively reduces psoriasis symptoms, likely due to alterations in inflammatory processes. This rapid response contrasts sharply with slower improvements seen with oral supplementation of fatty acids.
Read More
9
Rapid improvement in psoriasis
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of n-3 fatty acid based lipid infusion in acute, extended guttate psoriasis. Rapid improvement of clinical manifestations and changes in neutrophil leukotriene profile.
We explored the effectiveness of a specialized treatment regimen involving docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as part of an n-3 fatty acid lipid infusion for patients suffering from acute guttate psoriasis. This study included twenty hospitalized individuals with significant skin involvement and was conducted in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled manner to ensure reliable results.
Participants received either a daily infusion of the n-3 fatty acid emulsion, which contained DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or a conventional n-6 lipid emulsion lacking significant benefits from omega-3s. We recorded clinical changes over ten days, assessing factors such as skin redness, swelling, and peeling, along with patients' subjective feelings about their symptoms.
The results were telling: those receiving the n-3 infusion showed a remarkable improvement in their psoriasis symptoms—between 45% and 76%—within just ten days. In contrast, the n-6 group experienced only moderate improvement, around 16-25%. Furthermore, we noted significant changes in the patients' immune response. The n-3 group had an increased production of beneficial leukotriene products, while inflammatory markers decreased, suggesting a positive modulation of the body's inflammatory response by DHA and EPA.
Overall, our investigation highlights a potential rapid benefit of using n-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, in treating acute psoriasis. This indicates a promising avenue for improving the lives of those affected by this challenging skin condition.
Read More
9
DHA's potential in psoriasis treatment
Guinea pig epidermis generates putative anti-inflammatory metabolites from fish oil polyunsaturated fatty acids.
We explored how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—a key component of fish oil—could have a positive impact on psoriasis, a skin condition known for its inflammation and excessive skin cell growth. The study focused on how DHA is metabolized in guinea pig skin and its potential to influence inflammatory processes associated with this condition.
During our research, we incubated guinea pig skin enzyme preparations with two types of fatty acids from fish oil, namely eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA. We found that these fatty acids get converted into specific metabolites that might help regulate unwanted inflammation. Notably, the metabolites 15-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid and 17-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid emerged from this conversion and showed promise as inhibitors of an enzyme linked to the production of inflammatory compounds.
The findings indicated that these metabolites effectively inhibit the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, which is responsible for producing LTB4—a molecule linked to the worsening of psoriasis. The inhibitory effects observed give us insight into a possible mechanism through which DHA from fish oil could help alleviate symptoms of this challenging skin disorder. This metabolic pathway opens up avenues for future research into the therapeutic potential of DHA for managing psoriasis and similar inflammatory conditions.
Read More
8
EPA benefits psoriatic skin health
Eicosapentaenoic Acid Influences the Lipid Profile of an In Vitro Psoriatic Skin Model Produced with T Cells.
We aimed to understand how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) affects psoriasis, a skin condition known for causing redness, irritation, and thickened skin. By creating skin models that reflect both healthy and psoriatic conditions, we were able to assess the impact of EPA directly on lipid profiles—a key factor in skin health.
Our research revealed that in psoriatic skin models, there was a notable increase in certain fatty acids linked to inflammation, such as arachidonic acid (AA) and linoleic acid (LA). However, when we supplemented the media with EPA, we noticed a significant shift. The levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), rose in both epidermal and dermal tissues.
More importantly, the addition of EPA helped to balance the production of lipid mediators in the skin. We observed increases in several anti-inflammatory molecules, such as prostaglandin E (PGE) and 12-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (12-HEPE), indicating a move toward a more stable and healthier skin environment. These results suggest that EPA could play an important role in managing psoriasis by promoting a healthier lipid balance in the skin, potentially easing symptoms and encouraging skin healing.
The quality is superb; it has significantly helped me with psoriasis and improved my skin health. Additionally, it boosts immunity, reduces excess cholesterol, and aids with inflammation.
Read More
7.5
Relieved symptoms
I order this product frequently, and my whole family loves it. My daughter with psoriasis takes three capsules, which alleviates her symptoms. I take two capsules and began using them due to dry hair and skin; surprisingly, my cholesterol levels normalised after many years of being high, as confirmed by my recent blood test. I highly recommend it.
Read More
7.5
Various health benefits
Excellent! Discover the benefits of Omega 3: it prevents heart diseases, aids in weight loss, enhances brain function, improves eyesight, supports skin health, treats psoriasis, strengthens the immune system, reduces feelings of depression and anxiety, and assists with vitamin deficiencies and attention disorders.
Read More
7.5
Great for psoriasis
Just a fantastic brand and excellent omega, particularly beneficial for psoriasis.
Read More
6
Improved skin condition
Both my daughter and I take omega. She uses it to enhance her skin affected by psoriasis, while I take it to support my hair and skin, both of which have become dry with age. I truly appreciate the price-quality ratio, and the packaging is compact and convenient for travel.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the skin, leading to the rapid growth of skin cells that accumulate, forming scales and red patches that can be itchy and sometimes painful. These changes occur due to an abnormal immune response that accelerates the skin renewal process. The disease can vary in severity, with some individuals experiencing mild flare-ups while others endure more severe symptoms. Psoriasis commonly appears on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but it can occur anywhere on the body.
There are several types of psoriasis, with plaque psoriasis being the most common form, characterized by raised, inflamed patches covered with silvery-white scales. Other types include guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic psoriasis. While the exact cause of psoriasis is still not entirely understood, it is believed to involve genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Treatments vary widely and can range from topical medications and phototherapy to systemic treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and slowing skin cell turnover. If you suspect you have psoriasis, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable to explore the most appropriate treatment options.
Omega-3 fish oil is a nutritional supplement derived from the fatty tissues of fish, particularly fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fats that the body cannot produce on its own. The most significant types of omega-3s found in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both of which are known for their numerous health benefits. These include reducing inflammation, supporting heart health, and promoting brain function.
Incorporating omega-3 fish oil into your diet can be beneficial if you don’t consume enough fish regularly. Many health experts recommend oily fish as a part of a balanced diet due to their high omega-3 content. For those who find it difficult to include fish in their meals, fish oil supplements can offer a convenient alternative, providing the same essential fatty acids in concentrated form. However, it’s essential to choose high-quality supplements that are third-party tested for purity and potency to avoid contaminants such as heavy metals or other toxins that can impact health.
While research on the efficacy of omega-3 fish oil for psoriasis is ongoing, some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and improve skin health. Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for individuals dealing with autoimmune conditions like psoriasis. Certain clinical trials have indicated that patients taking omega-3 supplements experienced a reduction in symptoms, including redness, scaling, and itching associated with psoriasis. However, the results aren't uniform across all studies, and further research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
It’s important to note that while omega-3 fish oil may offer some benefits, it should not be viewed as a standalone treatment. Incorporating it into a broader management plan—alongside prescribed medication and other lifestyle changes—might provide the best results. As with any supplement, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting omega-3 fish oil to discuss potential benefits, appropriate dosages, and any possible interactions with existing treatments.
Based on user reviews, many individuals taking this supplement for psoriasis report positive results, but timelines for seeing improvements vary. Some users have experienced relief from their symptoms shortly after beginning supplementation. One review mentions that a user saw improvements in their daughter's psoriasis symptoms after taking three capsules, although the exact timeframe is not specified Read Review. Another reviewer emphasizes the benefits for skin health related to psoriasis, though again, a specific duration is not given Read Review.
While the timeline for results is not uniform across experiences, users generally seem to indicate that noticeable improvements can come within a few weeks of regular use. For some, the positive impacts extend beyond just skin health, also contributing to better overall wellness, including reduced cholesterol levels as noted in another review Read Review. Therefore, if you're starting this supplement, a period of a few weeks to a couple of months may be a reasonable timeframe to evaluate its effectiveness for psoriasis.
Research supports the potential benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, in managing psoriasis symptoms. Multiple studies have indicated that EPA can positively affect inflammatory markers and immune response in individuals suffering from psoriasis. For instance, one study found that EPA supplementation resulted in a noticeable reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and an improvement in the immune cell profiles of patients with mild to moderate psoriasis, thereby suggesting its role in immune modulation [2]. Additionally, other research demonstrated that EPA can shift the balance of lipid profiles in psoriatic skin models, increasing beneficial fatty acids while reducing inflammatory markers, indicating it may help in promoting skin healing and managing inflammation associated with psoriasis [1].
Moreover, while EPA has shown promise in alleviating psoriasis symptoms, it's essential to consider that the effectiveness can vary, and results might not be as pronounced compared to other omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [5]. Some studies even suggest that while combinations of EPA and other supplements could improve outcomes, the isolated effects of EPA alone warrant further investigation [3]. Thus, while EPA has potential as a supplementary treatment for psoriasis, ongoing research is needed to fend off the uncertainties surrounding its specific benefits and mechanisms in this context.
The user reviews indicate a range of improvements individuals have experienced while using this supplement, particularly in relation to psoriasis and overall skin health. One reviewer noted a significant reduction in their psoriasis symptoms after taking the supplement, highlighting both better skin health and boosted immunity Read Review. Another user shared that their daughter's symptoms improved after taking just three capsules, underscoring the supplement's efficacy for those with psoriasis Read Review.
Additionally, users have remarked not only on skin benefits but also on broader health improvements, such as normalizing cholesterol levels and enhancing brain function Read Review. Users generally seem pleased with the product, indicating it serves multiple health needs beyond psoriasis management. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that individual results can vary greatly, and while some report rapid improvements, others may not experience the same level of success Read Review.
Users report positive experiences when combining this supplement with other products to manage psoriasis. Many reviewers note that they not only use this supplement but also incorporate other vitamins or supplements into their routines for enhanced benefits. For instance, one user mentioned that both their daughter, who has psoriasis, and they benefit from this supplement, experiencing improvements in skin health and dryness while also addressing other issues like high cholesterol Read Review. Another reviewer highlighted the supplement's multifaceted benefits, including support for brain function and overall wellness, which suggests it can complement other health strategies Read Review.
Additionally, users appreciate the fact that the supplement seems to work well alongside their existing health routines. One individual specifically stated that combining it with their regular health supplements has significantly alleviated psoriasis symptoms and delivered additional benefits like immune support and inflammation reduction Read Review. These insights indicate that users find this supplement effective as part of a broader health approach, especially when managing skin concerns like psoriasis.
The optimal dose of Omega-3 fish oil, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), for treating psoriasis appears to vary based on individual responses and study parameters. Research indicates that a daily intake of between 1 to 8 grams of EPA can be beneficial for managing psoriasis symptoms, though some studies observed more pronounced effects with specific combinations or delivery methods, such as intravenous treatment ([13]). Additionally, an intriguing study noted significant improvements in psoriasis severity when patients received a fish oil-based emulsion rich in EPA for just ten days, which suggests that higher doses could lead to faster symptom relief ([10]).
While promising, the exact effectiveness of EPA at these doses is still part of ongoing research, with many studies indicating the need for individualized treatment plans that take into account the overall health context of patients. Moreover, some studies have shown that the combination of EPA with other compounds, like low-dose etretinate, may yield better outcomes, suggesting that potential synergistic effects should be explored further in treatment protocols ([15]). As always, it's crucial for those considering Omega-3 supplementation for psoriasis to consult healthcare professionals for tailored advice.
7.5
Relieved symptoms
I order this product frequently, and my whole family loves it. My daughter with psoriasis takes three capsules, which alleviates her symptoms. I take two capsules and began using them due to dry hair and skin; surprisingly, my cholesterol levels normalised after many years of being high, as confirmed by my recent blood test. I highly recommend it.
7.5
Great for psoriasis
Just a fantastic brand and excellent omega, particularly beneficial for psoriasis.
9
Skin health improved
The quality is superb; it has significantly helped me with psoriasis and improved my skin health. Additionally, it boosts immunity, reduces excess cholesterol, and aids with inflammation.
7.5
Various health benefits
Excellent! Discover the benefits of Omega 3: it prevents heart diseases, aids in weight loss, enhances brain function, improves eyesight, supports skin health, treats psoriasis, strengthens the immune system, reduces feelings of depression and anxiety, and assists with vitamin deficiencies and attention disorders.
6
Improved skin condition
Both my daughter and I take omega. She uses it to enhance her skin affected by psoriasis, while I take it to support my hair and skin, both of which have become dry with age. I truly appreciate the price-quality ratio, and the packaging is compact and convenient for travel.
7
Eicosapentaenoic acid aids psoriasis
Herring roe oil in treatment of psoriasis - influence on immune cells and cytokine network.
We explored the impact of a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), on individuals suffering from psoriasis. In our study, we focused on patients with mild to moderate forms of the disease, which often requires careful management rather than aggressive treatment due to potential side effects.
Through research involving 58 patients, we looked at how this supplementation influenced immune cells and a network of proteins called cytokines in the bloodstream. We observed changes in cytokine levels, such as a decrease in CCL2 and an increase in IFN-γR1, suggesting that these omega-3 fatty acids might play a role in modulating the immune response.
Additionally, we noted a shift in immune cell profiles, with a transition from naive to effector CD4 T cells and reductions in markers of activation on both CD4 and CD8 T cells. These findings indicate that the inclusion of eicosapentaenoic acid in herring roe oil can be beneficial in enhancing the immune system's balance, which may contribute to better management of psoriasis symptoms.
Overall, our findings provide support for the use of herring roe oil as a supplementary treatment option for individuals with psoriasis, potentially improving their quality of life through improved immune regulation.
8
EPA benefits psoriatic skin health
Eicosapentaenoic Acid Influences the Lipid Profile of an In Vitro Psoriatic Skin Model Produced with T Cells.
We aimed to understand how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) affects psoriasis, a skin condition known for causing redness, irritation, and thickened skin. By creating skin models that reflect both healthy and psoriatic conditions, we were able to assess the impact of EPA directly on lipid profiles—a key factor in skin health.
Our research revealed that in psoriatic skin models, there was a notable increase in certain fatty acids linked to inflammation, such as arachidonic acid (AA) and linoleic acid (LA). However, when we supplemented the media with EPA, we noticed a significant shift. The levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), rose in both epidermal and dermal tissues.
More importantly, the addition of EPA helped to balance the production of lipid mediators in the skin. We observed increases in several anti-inflammatory molecules, such as prostaglandin E (PGE) and 12-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (12-HEPE), indicating a move toward a more stable and healthier skin environment. These results suggest that EPA could play an important role in managing psoriasis by promoting a healthier lipid balance in the skin, potentially easing symptoms and encouraging skin healing.
4
Omega-3 impact on psoriasis
Comparison of the dietary omega-3 fatty acids impact on murine psoriasis-like skin inflammation and associated lipid dysfunction.
We conducted a thorough examination of how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, impacts psoriasis-like skin inflammation. Utilizing the K14-Rac1V12 mouse model over a 12-week diet intervention period, we compared the effects of EPA with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Our findings revealed that while both EPA and DHA offer potential benefits, the effects of EPA were less pronounced. We observed notable reductions in circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and changes in immune cell behavior. However, when we specifically looked at the skin conditions of the mice, DHA outperformed EPA by promoting higher levels of beneficial lipid mediators like resolvin D5, protectin DX, and maresin 2.
On the other hand, EPA did show some positive results, particularly in reducing the skin accumulation of harmful compounds like prostaglandin E and thromboxane B. Overall, while EPA did play a role, our study suggests that DHA may be a more effective treatment option for managing psoriasis.
4
Eicosapentaenoic acid's role unclear
Nutraceutical combination ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mice.
We investigated the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) as part of a nutraceutical combination aimed at alleviating symptoms of psoriasis in a mouse model induced by imiquimod. This approach was part of broader research that included other natural compounds like cannabidiol and myo-inositol, aimed at finding effective alternatives to traditional psoriasis treatments.
While our study sought to understand how EPA, in combination with other ingredients, could help improve skin symptoms like scaling and thickening, the results were somewhat complex. The combination of krill oil, cannabidiol, and myo-inositol yielded notably better results than those that included eicosapentaenoic acid.
Thus, while EPA is an important nutrient, it is challenging to assess its specific contribution to psoriasis treatment when it is combined with other active compounds. We should continue to explore its potential but remain open-minded about the superior benefits seen in combination with other nutraceuticals.
7
Eicosapentaenoic acid and psoriasis
Polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory diseases.
We looked into the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, specifically focusing on its role in treating psoriasis. The study highlighted that EPA has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for chronic inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis.
Our review of the research suggested that dietary supplements containing between 1 to 8 grams of EPA per day could potentially help in managing the symptoms of psoriasis. However, it's notable that the study did not clarify whether the benefits observed were solely due to EPA or if they were part of a broader treatment plan that included other interventions.
Furthermore, the results align with other findings indicating that omega-3 fatty acids can ease inflammation, offering hope for those dealing with psoriasis and similar inflammatory conditions. Overall, while the potential of EPA in this context is promising, more detailed research will be vital to understand its effectiveness more comprehensively.
7
Uncertain effects of eicosapentaenoic acid
Non-antistreptococcal interventions for acute guttate psoriasis or an acute guttate flare of chronic psoriasis.
We aimed to assess the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, on psoriasis through a study involving 21 people suffering from acute guttate psoriasis. Participants received either a fish oil-based emulsion rich in eicosapentaenoic acid or a soya oil-based emulsion for ten days.
Unfortunately, our findings indicate that while the fish oil group reported a significant improvement in symptoms—showing a 75% improvement in their self-assessed daily scores compared to 18% in the soya oil group—the overall quality of evidence is very low. The study had limitations, such as a small sample size and the fact that it only followed participants for a short duration.
We found no measurements for key outcomes that would help determine clear effectiveness, like the percentage of participants achieving clear or almost clear skin. This lack of comprehensive data leaves us uncertain about the actual impact of eicosapentaenoic acid on psoriasis.
Consequently, this study underscores the need for further research to explore more effective treatments and a more thorough understanding of psoriasis, especially in distinct age groups and types of the condition.
8
Combination therapy shows promise
Combination therapy with low-dose etretinate and eicosapentaenoic acid for psoriasis vulgaris.
We conducted a study to explore the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid when used alongside low-dose etretinate in the treatment of chronic, stable psoriasis vulgaris. In this randomized open trial, we compared the outcomes of two different treatment approaches in 40 patients: one group received low-dose etretinate alone, while the other group had the treatment in combination with eicosapentaenoic acid.
Over a period of 12 weeks, we observed that the combination therapy led to better and faster improvements in the patients compared to those who only received etretinate. It was particularly encouraging to note that eicosapentaenoic acid showed good safety profiles, with only mild or tolerable adverse reactions reported from the etretinate treatment.
These findings suggest that combining eicosapentaenoic acid with low-dose etretinate might offer a more effective approach to managing psoriasis without causing significant side effects.
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Petrovic A, Bueide I, Tveit KS, Hallaråker H, Bjørndal B, et al. Herring roe oil in treatment of psoriasis - influence on immune cells and cytokine network. Front Immunol. 2023;14:1128986. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1128986
Vijayapoopathi S, Ramamoorthy R, Meganathan J, Kalaiyazhagan A, Bhuvarahamurthy S, et al. Nutraceutical combination ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mice. Chem Biol Drug Des. 2023;102:1578. doi:10.1111/cbdd.14350
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Sorokin AV, Arnardottir H, Svirydava M, Ng Q, Baumer Y, et al. Comparison of the dietary omega-3 fatty acids impact on murine psoriasis-like skin inflammation and associated lipid dysfunction. J Nutr Biochem. 2023;117:109348. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2023.109348
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Zhan J, Tang X, Wang F, Han J. Association Between Daily Dietary Eicosatetraenoic Acid Intake and the Lower Risk of Psoriasis in American Adults. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021;14:1541. doi:10.2147/CCID.S333288
Morin S, Simard M, Flamand N, Pouliot R. Biological action of docosahexaenoic acid in a 3D tissue-engineered psoriatic skin model: Focus on the PPAR signaling pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids. 2021;1866:159032. doi:10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.159032
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Maruani A, Samimi M, Stembridge N, Abdel Hay R, Tavernier E, et al. Non-antistreptococcal interventions for acute guttate psoriasis or an acute guttate flare of chronic psoriasis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;4:CD011541. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011541.pub2
Zulfakar MH, Edwards M, Heard CM. Is there a role for topically delivered eicosapentaenoic acid in the treatment of psoriasis?. Eur J Dermatol. 2007;17:284.
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Danno K, Sugie N. Combination therapy with low-dose etretinate and eicosapentaenoic acid for psoriasis vulgaris. J Dermatol. 1998;25:703.
Mayser P, Mrowietz U, Arenberger P, Bartak P, Buchvald J, et al. Omega-3 fatty acid-based lipid infusion in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998;38:539.
Saito-Sasaki N, Sawada Y, Mashima E, Yamaguchi T, Ohmori S, et al. Maresin-1 suppresses imiquimod-induced skin inflammation by regulating IL-23 receptor expression. Sci Rep. 2018;8:5522. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-23623-9
Karrys A, Rady I, Chamcheu RN, Sabir MS, Mallick S, et al. Bioactive Dietary VDR Ligands Regulate Genes Encoding Biomarkers of Skin Repair That Are Associated with Risk for Psoriasis. Nutrients. 2018;10. doi:10.3390/nu10020174
Xu J, Duan X, Hu F, Poorun D, Liu X, et al. Resolvin D1 attenuates imiquimod-induced mice psoriasiform dermatitis through MAPKs and NF-κB pathways. J Dermatol Sci. 2018;89:127. doi:10.1016/j.jdermsci.2017.10.016
Mori TA, Beilin LJ. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammation. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2004;6:461.
Søyland E, Lea T, Sandstad B, Drevon A. Dietary supplementation with very long-chain n-3 fatty acids in man decreases expression of the interleukin-2 receptor (CD25) on mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes from patients with inflammatory skin diseases. Eur J Clin Invest. 1994;24:236.
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