Effect of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid and gamma-linolenic acid on acne vulgaris: a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial

Acta Derm Venereol. 2014 Sep;94(5):521-5. doi: 10.2340/00015555-1802.

Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and histological changes induced by dietary omega-3 fatty acid and γ-linoleic acid in acne vulgaris. A 10-week, randomised, controlled parallel dietary intervention study was performed in 45 participants with mild to moderate acne, which were allocated to either an omega-3 fatty acid group (2,000 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), a γ-linoleic acid group (borage oil containing 400 mg γ-linoleic acid), or a control group. After 10 weeks of omega-3 fatty acid or γ-linoleic acid supplementation, inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions decreased significantly. Patient subjective assessment of improvement showed a similar result. Heamatoxylin & eosin staining of acne lesions demonstrated reductions in inflammation and immunohistochemical staining intensity for interleukin-8. No severe adverse effect was reported. This study shows for the first time that omega-3 fatty acid and γ-linoleic acid could be used as adjuvant treatments for acne patients.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / diet therapy*
  • Acne Vulgaris / metabolism
  • Acne Vulgaris / pathology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / therapeutic use*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-8 / metabolism
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Young Adult
  • alpha-Linolenic Acid / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Interleukin-8
  • alpha-Linolenic Acid
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid