Mediterranean diet, omega-3 fatty acids improve acne symptoms in prospective study

Acne severity improved significantly in patients with target ω-3 fatty acid (FA) levels, achieved through a Mediterranean diet and oral supplementation with algae-derived ω-3 FAs.

• Over 16 weeks, 60 patients without prescription medication (n=23 with comedonal acne, n=37 with papulopustular acne) adhered to a Mediterranean diet, incorporating oral algae-derived ω-3 FA supplementation (600 mg DHA/300 mg EPA week 1-8, 800 mg DHA/400 mg EPA week 8-16). At four follow-up visits (V1-V4), blood EPA/DHA levels were tracked using the HS-omega 3 index (EPA/DHA [%] of total identified fatty acids in erythrocytes; target 8%-11%, deficit <8%, severe deficit <4%), along with clinical assessments and standardized questionnaires.
• At baseline, 98.3% of patients had an EPA/DHA deficit. Mean HS-omega 3 index rose from 4.9% at V1 to 8.3% at V4 (p<0.001). Comedonal acne showed significantly higher indices than papulopustular acne at V4 (p=0.035). Objective improvements in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions were seen (p<0.001).
• While self-reported appearance worsened in four patients, overall quality of life improved (p<0.001), particularly in papulopustular acne. No adverse events were reported.

Source:

Guertler A, et al. (2024, July 10). J Cosmet Dermatol. Exploring the potential of omega-3 fatty acids in acne patients: A prospective intervention study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38982829/