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Our observations showed noticeable improvements in those who took EPA. After just two weeks, participants in the EPA group reported a reduction in their SCORAD scores, which are used to measure the severity of atopic dermatitis. The scores went down significantly compared to the placebo group. After four weeks, the number of children needing corticosteroids to manage their symptoms was also lower in the EPA group.
Despite these positive results, both groups reported few adverse effects, indicating that EPA supplementation is generally well-received. Overall, we conclude that adding EPA to the diet may be an effective and safe strategy for reducing eczema severity in children.
Throughout the study, we measured the severity of eczema using the SCORAD index at multiple intervals. Our findings showed that DHA supplementation led to a notable improvement in eczema symptoms, with patients experiencing a significant decrease in their SCORAD scores. This contrasted with the control group, which did not show similar improvements. Notably, we also found that DHA reduced certain immune responses linked to eczema, indicating its potential role in managing this condition.
Given these encouraging results, it appears that DHA could be an effective dietary addition for people suffering from atopic eczema. However, further research with a larger participant pool is necessary to confirm these findings and fully understand the benefits of DHA on this skin condition.
This study builds on previous findings that showed an increase in serum EPA levels from another omega-3 fatty acid, α-linolenic acid, which similarly helped restore skin health in mice with AD. When we administered EPA to the affected mice, we saw a marked alleviation in both itchy skin and barrier impairment.
A key finding was that the levels of covalently bound ceramides, essential lipids for maintaining our skin's barrier, were greatly reduced in the skin of the AD mice. With EPA treatment, these ceramides were restored, suggesting that EPA may play a crucial role in supporting skin health by improving these lipid levels.
Our findings point to the possible therapeutic application of EPA ethyl ester in treating human eczema, which could lead to effective new options for managing this often-challenging condition.
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Our observations showed noticeable improvements in those who took EPA. After just two weeks, participants in the EPA group reported a reduction in their SCORAD scores, which are used to measure the severity of atopic dermatitis. The scores went down significantly compared to the placebo group. After four weeks, the number of children needing corticosteroids to manage their symptoms was also lower in the EPA group.
Despite these positive results, both groups reported few adverse effects, indicating that EPA supplementation is generally well-received. Overall, we conclude that adding EPA to the diet may be an effective and safe strategy for reducing eczema severity in children.
This study builds on previous findings that showed an increase in serum EPA levels from another omega-3 fatty acid, α-linolenic acid, which similarly helped restore skin health in mice with AD. When we administered EPA to the affected mice, we saw a marked alleviation in both itchy skin and barrier impairment.
A key finding was that the levels of covalently bound ceramides, essential lipids for maintaining our skin's barrier, were greatly reduced in the skin of the AD mice. With EPA treatment, these ceramides were restored, suggesting that EPA may play a crucial role in supporting skin health by improving these lipid levels.
Our findings point to the possible therapeutic application of EPA ethyl ester in treating human eczema, which could lead to effective new options for managing this often-challenging condition.
In our study with 573 mother-infant pairs, we found that higher levels of certain fatty acids, especially arachidonic acid and omega-3 PUFA, were associated with a reduced risk of allergies in children.
This trend was notably stronger for children whose mothers had a history of allergies. Overall, our research suggests that maternal PUFA intake might play a protective role against eczema and other allergic conditions.
We observed that the treatment helped restore important lipids in the skin, known as ceramides. These results suggest that EPA-E may offer a promising approach to treat eczema in people, but further testing is needed.
Specifically, we found a reduced risk of eczema and allergic rhinitis in those who consumed fish early in life. This indicates that introducing fish to infants' diets may offer important allergy protection.
Overall, while maternal intake showed no significant benefits, early fish consumption appears promising for reducing eczema.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, itchy, and red patches on the skin. It is most commonly seen in children but can occur at any age. The condition can range from mild to severe and often leads to dry, scaly skin that can become cracked or even bleed. Eczema is believed to be related to a combination of genetic predisposition, skin barrier dysfunction, and environmental factors, including allergens, irritants, and stress.
Treatment for eczema often involves a multi-faceted approach, including the use of moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated, topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and, in some cases, antihistamines to alleviate itching. Identifying and avoiding triggers such as certain soaps, fabrics, or foods can also play a crucial role in managing the condition. While there is currently no cure for eczema, ongoing advancements in research have led to the development of new therapies, including biologic medications that target specific components of the immune response, offering hope for those with moderate to severe cases.
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 effects of omega-3 fish oil on eczema is still evolving, there is some evidence suggesting that omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial for skin health. Omega-3s, which are found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the inflammation associated with eczema flare-ups. Some studies indicate that taking omega-3 supplements could improve overall skin barrier function and moisture, potentially leading to fewer and less severe eczema symptoms.
However, it's important to note that results can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience relief from their eczema symptoms with the inclusion of omega-3 fish oil, while others may not notice significant changes. Consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement is wise, especially if you have eczema or other related skin conditions. They can provide personalized recommendations and ensure that fish oil is a suitable option for your specific situation.
Based on user reviews, the time it takes to see noticeable improvements for eczema while taking Omega-3 supplements usually ranges from a couple of weeks to a few months. For example, one user observed a significant improvement in their husband’s skin after just two weeks of use (Read Review). Another reported an overall enhancement after consistent use for years, highlighting its effectiveness in lowering inflammation and soothing eczema symptoms (Read Review).
While many users experienced benefits relatively quickly, often within the first few weeks, some mentioned that consistent and long-term use is important for maintaining results. One user noted that taking four pills daily kept their skin hydrated and managed eczema effectively (Read Review). Overall, reviews suggest that while initial effects can be seen as early as two weeks, ongoing use is necessary for sustained improvement, making it essential to remain patient and committed to the regimen.
The potential for omega-3 fatty acids, particularly from fish oil and other sources, to alleviate eczema symptoms has been supported by various scientific studies. For instance, a systematic review found that prenatal omega-3 supplementation did not significantly lower overall eczema rates among children, yet it showed a notable reduction in certain types of eczema among younger children, aged three and under [1]. Another study highlighted the protective effect of maternal polyunsaturated fatty acids during pregnancy, linking higher fatty acid levels with a decreased risk of allergies and eczema in children [2].
Moreover, research specifically examining eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, revealed promising results for improving symptoms in children with atopic dermatitis, as those receiving EPA experienced reduced severity scores related to their condition [17]. Additionally, consistent fish consumption in early childhood has been correlated with lower eczema prevalence, suggesting the significance of dietary intake of omega-3s across various life stages [3]. Although the findings indicate potential benefits, they also demonstrate the need for extended research to establish clear guidelines and confirm the efficacy of omega-3 supplementation in managing eczema.
Based on user reviews, numerous individuals have shared positive experiences regarding the improvement of their eczema symptoms when using Omega-3 supplements. One user mentioned a notable reduction in eczema around their hands after combining Omega-3 with other vitamins, highlighting its essential role in managing their skin condition (Read Review). Another user reported visible improvements in their husband’s dry skin and eczema within just two weeks of starting the fish oil (Read Review). A long-term user indicated that taking Omega-3 for years has consistently lowered inflammation and soothed their eczema, underscoring the supplement’s sustained effectiveness (Read Review).
Additionally, many users noted that a higher dosage could enhance results, with one reviewer finding that taking four pills daily effectively kept their skin hydrated and managed their eczema symptoms (Read Review). Overall, while users generally report positive changes, individual results may vary, indicating that consistent use and dosage adjustments can be key to achieving desired outcomes.
Users have shared positive experiences regarding the effectiveness of Omega-3 supplements when combined with other vitamins for managing eczema. One reviewer noted significant improvements in their eczema symptoms after combining Omega-3 with NOW Vitamin C and pantothenic acid, which they credited for their fragile skin issues, including eczema around their hands (Read Review). Additionally, another reviewer reported alternating their Omega-3 intake with vitamin D3, suggesting that this combination supports overall well-being and may help with skin conditions (Read Review).
Many users also mentioned adjusting their Omega-3 dosage to enhance results, with one reviewer stating that taking four pills daily was effective in keeping their skin hydrated while managing eczema (Read Review). Overall, combining Omega-3 with other supplements seems to provide users with additional support in addressing their eczema symptoms, emphasizing the importance of finding the right combination tailored to individual health needs and skin types.
According to various studies, the optimal dosage of Omega-3 fish oil, particularly the key component eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), for treating eczema appears to center around 250 mg of EPA taken twice daily. One notable study found that children with atopic dermatitis who received this dosage reported significant improvements in their eczema symptoms, as evidenced by lower SCORAD scores, which measure the severity of the condition. In addition, this regimen helped in reducing the need for corticosteroids among these children, indicating that it could be a safe and effective strategy for managing eczema symptoms [17].
Moreover, the influence of omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy on eczema risk in infants is supported by additional findings. Research indicates that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), were linked to a reduced incidence of eczema in children. For mothers with a family history of allergies, ensuring adequate omega-3 intake might play a protective role against the development of eczema in their offspring [24]. However, further research and clinical trials are needed to confirm these optimal dosages and to explore the long-term effects of omega-3 fish oil supplementation in both mothers and children.
However, a closer look at younger children showed a significant reduction in IgE-associated eczema in those three years old or younger. This indicates that while prenatal omega-3 may not benefit all, it might help reduce specific types of eczema in early childhood.
In our study with 573 mother-infant pairs, we found that higher levels of certain fatty acids, especially arachidonic acid and omega-3 PUFA, were associated with a reduced risk of allergies in children.
This trend was notably stronger for children whose mothers had a history of allergies. Overall, our research suggests that maternal PUFA intake might play a protective role against eczema and other allergic conditions.
Our observations showed noticeable improvements in those who took EPA. After just two weeks, participants in the EPA group reported a reduction in their SCORAD scores, which are used to measure the severity of atopic dermatitis. The scores went down significantly compared to the placebo group. After four weeks, the number of children needing corticosteroids to manage their symptoms was also lower in the EPA group.
Despite these positive results, both groups reported few adverse effects, indicating that EPA supplementation is generally well-received. Overall, we conclude that adding EPA to the diet may be an effective and safe strategy for reducing eczema severity in children.
While cod liver oil showed potential benefits, the strongest results came from regular fish consumption. Surprisingly, we didn’t see any clear impacts related to mothers’ fish intake during pregnancy or nursing.
We found that infants whose mothers took DHA experienced a lower prevalence of eczema related to immunoglobulin E (IgE). Specifically, only 8% of infants in the DHA group developed IgE-associated eczema compared to a concerning 24% in the placebo group, marking a significant difference.
This suggests that maternal omega-3 supplementation, particularly with DHA, could play a beneficial role in reducing the risk of eczema in infants with a family history of allergies. Thus, incorporating omega-3 fatty acids in a mother’s diet during pregnancy and lactation may be a simple yet effective strategy to help protect babies from developing eczema.
References
- Jia Y, Huang Y, Wang H, Jiang H. Effect of Prenatal Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Childhood Eczema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2023;184:21. doi:10.1159/000526366
- Peng S, Du Z, He Y, Zhao F, Chen Y, et al. Association of Maternal Erythrocyte PUFA during Pregnancy with Offspring Allergy in the Chinese Population. Nutrients. 2022;14. doi:10.3390/nu14112312
- Øien T, Schjelvaag A, Storrø O, Johnsen R, Simpson MR. Fish Consumption at One Year of Age Reduces the Risk of Eczema, Asthma and Wheeze at Six Years of Age. Nutrients. 2019;11. doi:10.3390/nu11091969
- Fujii M, Ohyanagi C, Kawaguchi N, Matsuda H, Miyamoto Y, et al. Eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester ameliorates atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in special diet-fed hairless mice, partly by restoring covalently bound ceramides in the stratum corneum. Exp Dermatol. 2018;27:837. doi:10.1111/exd.13507
- Miles EA, Calder PC. Can Early Omega-3 Fatty Acid Exposure Reduce Risk of Childhood Allergic Disease?. Nutrients. 2017;9. doi:10.3390/nu9070784
- Zhang GQ, Liu B, Li J, Luo CQ, Zhang Q, et al. Fish intake during pregnancy or infancy and allergic outcomes in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2017;28:152. doi:10.1111/pai.12648
- Gunaratne AW, Makrides M, Collins CT. Maternal prenatal and/or postnatal n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) supplementation for preventing allergies in early childhood. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015:CD010085. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010085.pub2
- Chisaguano AM, Montes R, Castellote AI, Morales E, Júlvez J, et al. Elaidic, vaccenic, and rumenic acid status during pregnancy: association with maternal plasmatic LC-PUFAs and atopic manifestations in infants. Pediatr Res. 2014;76:470. doi:10.1038/pr.2014.119
- Makrides M, Gunaratne AW, Collins CT. Dietary n-3 LC-PUFA during the perinatal period as a strategy to minimize childhood allergic disease. Nestle Nutr Inst Workshop Ser. 2013;77:155. doi:10.1159/000351398
- Weise C, Ernst D, van Tol EA, Worm M. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and non-digestible oligosaccharides reduce dermatitis in mice. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2013;24:361. doi:10.1111/pai.12073
- Montes R, Chisaguano AM, Castellote AI, Morales E, Sunyer J, et al. Fatty-acid composition of maternal and umbilical cord plasma and early childhood atopic eczema in a Spanish cohort. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013;67:658. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2013.68
- D'Vaz N, Meldrum SJ, Dunstan JA, Lee-Pullen TF, Metcalfe J, et al. Fish oil supplementation in early infancy modulates developing infant immune responses. Clin Exp Allergy. 2012;42:1206. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2222.2012.04031.x
- Palmer DJ, Sullivan T, Gold MS, Prescott SL, Heddle R, et al. Effect of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in pregnancy on infants' allergies in first year of life: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2012;344:e184. doi:10.1136/bmj.e184
- Kunitsugu I, Okuda M, Murakami N, Hashimoto M, Yamanishi R, et al. Self-reported seafood intake and atopy in Japanese school-aged children. Pediatr Int. 2012;54:233. doi:10.1111/j.1442-200X.2011.03542.x
- Furuhjelm C, Warstedt K, Fagerås M, Fälth-Magnusson K, Larsson J, et al. Allergic disease in infants up to 2 years of age in relation to plasma omega-3 fatty acids and maternal fish oil supplementation in pregnancy and lactation. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2011;22:505. doi:10.1111/j.1399-3038.2010.01096.x
- Sato A, Sato G, Yabuki A, Ogawa Y, Nemoto H, et al. Ameliorative effects of squid phospholipids from Todarodes pacificus on atopic dermatitis-like lesions in NC/Nga mice. Arch Dermatol Res. 2025;317:239. doi:10.1007/s00403-024-03773-9
- Mirrahimi B, Moazemi M, Eslami N, Jamshidi E, Mir M, et al. Evaluating the Effect of Eicosapentaenoic Acid in Children With Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Triple-Blind Clinical Trial. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther. 2023;28:29. doi:10.5863/1551-6776-28.1.29
- Fujii M, Ohyanagi C, Kawaguchi N, Matsuda H, Miyamoto Y, et al. Eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester ameliorates atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in special diet-fed hairless mice, partly by restoring covalently bound ceramides in the stratum corneum. Exp Dermatol. 2018;27:837. doi:10.1111/exd.13507
- Kunitsugu I, Okuda M, Murakami N, Hashimoto M, Yamanishi R, et al. Self-reported seafood intake and atopy in Japanese school-aged children. Pediatr Int. 2012;54:233. doi:10.1111/j.1442-200X.2011.03542.x
- Sato A, Sato G, Yabuki A, Ogawa Y, Nemoto H, et al. Ameliorative effects of squid phospholipids from Todarodes pacificus on atopic dermatitis-like lesions in NC/Nga mice. Arch Dermatol Res. 2025;317:239. doi:10.1007/s00403-024-03773-9
- Weise C, Ernst D, van Tol EA, Worm M. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and non-digestible oligosaccharides reduce dermatitis in mice. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2013;24:361. doi:10.1111/pai.12073
- Montes R, Chisaguano AM, Castellote AI, Morales E, Sunyer J, et al. Fatty-acid composition of maternal and umbilical cord plasma and early childhood atopic eczema in a Spanish cohort. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013;67:658. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2013.68
- Palmer DJ, Sullivan T, Gold MS, Prescott SL, Heddle R, et al. Effect of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in pregnancy on infants' allergies in first year of life: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2012;344:e184. doi:10.1136/bmj.e184
- Furuhjelm C, Warstedt K, Larsson J, Fredriksson M, Böttcher MF, et al. Fish oil supplementation in pregnancy and lactation may decrease the risk of infant allergy. Acta Paediatr. 2009;98:1461. doi:10.1111/j.1651-2227.2009.01355.x
- Miyake Y, Sasaki S, Tanaka K, Ohya Y, Matsunaga I, et al. Relationship between dietary fat and fish intake and the prevalence of atopic eczema in pregnant Japanese females: baseline data from the Osaka Maternal and Child Health Study. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17:612.
- Koch C, Dölle S, Metzger M, Rasche C, Jungclas H, et al. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation in atopic eczema: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Br J Dermatol. 2008;158:786. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2007.08430.x
