Omega-3 Benefits and Facts - Part 4

Introduction
Cardiovascular and Heart Disease
Pregnancy and Infant Nutrition
Skin Conditions
Joint Health and Arthritis
Other Diseases

Skin Care and Omega-3s:

Skin disorders such as psoriasis have been shown to improve by supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils. In the skin of persons with psoriasis the amount of compounds causing inflammation is many times greater than normal. Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) inhibits the production of these inflammatory compounds. Fish oil can improve the health of skin, nails and hair. Proper skin care depends on proper nutrition. Clinical trails have shown that omega-3 fats can be successful in the treatment of eczema. Epidermal cells can be very active in the conversion of essential fatty acids into prostaglandin hormones, which determine the smoothness and moistness of the skin, and can influence skin conditions such as eczema. The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and ALA provide skin cells with the precursors from which they synthesize PG-series 3, derived from gamma-linolenic acid. Gamma-linolenic acid is converted to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid by epidermal cells, then to anti-inflammatory prostaglandin hormone (PG-1), which also improves skin texture and has been used successfully to treat eczema and provide proper skin care treatments.

The skin disorder, psoriasis, is a relatively common skin disorder that affects between one and two per cent of the population. Itching, scaling, and erythema are common features. Abnormal levels of leukotrienes (metabolites of arachidonic acid) are believed to be involved in the development and progression of the disorder. Eicosapentaenoic acid, a omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil, is known to reduce the adverse effects of leukotrienes and has been proven to have significant anti-inflammatory effects.

Scientist have just released the results of a clinical trial designed to evaluate the effects of oral supplementation with fish oils in the treatment of psoriasis. The 28 patients involved in the trial had all been diagnosed with chronic psoriasis. They were randomized into two groups with one group receiving 10 fish oil capsules (containing 1.8 grams of EPA) and the other group receiving 10 olive oil capsules every day for the duration of the 12-week trial. After 8 weeks of treatment there was a significant reduction in itching, erythema and scaling in the fish oil group and a trend towards a decrease in the surface area of skin affected by the disease. No significant changes occurred in the placebo group. The researchers conclude that fish oil supplementation is useful in the treatment of psoriasis particularly when itching is a major problem.

Psoriasis may be partly due to a difficulty in the way the body handles oils, or to a lack of oils in the diet itself. Studies have shown that consuming the omega-3 fatty acid EPA may provide symptom relief. One very interesting study looked at a population of Inuits who consumed their traditional diet, which is very high in omega-3 fats. They reportedly have a greatly reduced incidence of psoriasis. While this is consistent with a preventive effect of omega-3 fats, genetic factors may be involved also because genetics is a determinant for the occurrence of psoriasis. Dietary supplements ranging 1-8 g per day of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been reportedly beneficial in the treatment of IBD, eczema, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Supporting Skin Care References:

Bittiner, S.B., et al. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of fish oil in psoriasis. The Lancet, February 20, 1988, pp. 378-80

Bjorneboe A., et al. Effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplement to patients with atopic dermatitis. J. Intern. Med. Suppl. 1989; 69(4): 359-62

Gil A., Polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory diseases. Biomed. Pharmacother. 2002 Oct; 56(8): 388-96

Kromann N, Green A. Epidemiological studies in the Upernavik district, Greenland. Acta Med Scand 208:401-6,1980

Moser, U. omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs in healthy and diseased skin. Roche Vitamins Europe Ltd, Switz. Journal of Applied Cosmetology (2002), 20(2), 137-142.

Soyland E., Rajka G., Bj¿rneboe A., et al. The effect of eicosapentaenoic acid in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. A clinical study. Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 1989;144(Suppl):139.

Soyland E., Drevon C.A. The effect of very long-chain omega-3 fatty acids on immune-related skin diseases. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 1993 Jun; 47(6): 381-8

This skin care material has been provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as recommendations. Please consult your health care provider first if you have any skin care or health problems or wish to discuss omega-3s and skin care further.

Soft-E-Care™ products that contain Omega-3s:
Omega-T™
Coromega™