New research finds omega-3 fatty acids linked to acne

New research has found that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood is a direct link to the diagnosis of acne. With 23 million people in Europe suffering from acne, this new research offers many hope for management of the skin condition.

The Department of Dermatology and Allergy in Munich found that of the 100 patients with acne that they studied, 94% were found to have below recommended levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood.

Omega-3 fatty acids fight acne as they reduce inflammation through stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins E1 and E3, leukotriene B5 and lower levels of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) -1, the central hormone that creates acne.

Dr Anne Gϋrtler, the lead author from the team at the Department of Dermatology and Allergy at Ludwig-Maximillian University, Munich, Germany says, “Nutrition plays a pivotal role in the prevention, onset and course of many diseases, including dermatologic disorders such as acne vulgaris. As part of a modern treatment approach, clinicians should provide patients with information on how their choice of diet might impact their dermatologic diagnosis and could potentially enhance therapeutic outcomes,” she says.

The dermatologists also investigated the patients’ diet and found that those who said that they regularly consumed pulses, such as chickpeas and lentils, as well as abstaining from sunflower oil, had higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acid. The key fatty acid is found in foods such as algae, legumes, nuts, seeds and non-farmed fish like wild salmon and sardines.

Assistant Professor at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Akdeniz University, Asli Bilgic says, “Acne vulgaris is a condition that weighs heavily on its many sufferers, including negatively impacting their personal and professional lives. It is also one of the most frequent reasons for consultation in general practice as patients look for ways to alleviate their symptoms.”

Bilgic also said that as a dermatologist, he is aware of the impact that having acne can have on a person’s quality of life due to its highly visible nature.

“This exciting research helps us get one step closer to providing effective treatments for the millions of people who face embarrassment and stigma from this skin condition, looking beyond topical skin ointments and classical systemic treatments to a pathway which can have additional health benefits. It also strengthens the idea of a healthy diet is essential for long term remission in acne vulgaris. Although this path needs further exploration, it can give hope to people looking for a way to manage their condition,” he says.