Dermatologists in Germany have identified what could be the crucial link between acne and omega-3 fatty acid deficiency.
A group of researchers from the Department of Dermatology and Allergy in Munich examined 100 patients with acne and, after measuring the nutritional parameters in their blood, found that 94% of patients had levels below the recommended (8-11%). omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3-LC).
The diet of patients was studied, and it was found that those who regularly consumed legumes such as chickpeas and lentils, as well as those who limited their consumption of sunflower oil, had higher levels of key fatty acids.
The group of dermatologists behind the study urged clinicians to always ask about the eating habits of acne patients, as this is of great importance when discussing the diagnosis and treatment of their condition.
Nutrition plays an important role in the prevention, occurrence, and course of many diseases, including dermatological diseases such as vulgar acne, scientists explain.
As part of the modern treatment approach, clinicians should provide patients with information about how their diet can affect their dermatological diagnosis and potentially improve therapeutic outcomes.
For many years, the Western diet has been attributed to a negative effect on vulgar acne due to its direct effect on IGF-1 levels.
However, the preventive and curative measures accompanying the diet have not yet been sufficiently considered.
In this regard, omega-3 fatty acids seem to be the most promising because of their anti-inflammatory effect.
A healthy diet is essential for long-term acne remission.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods such as legumes, algae, nuts, seeds, and fish such as wild salmon and sardines reduce inflammation by stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins E1 and E3, leukotriene B5 and reducing the level of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) -1 – the central hormone that causes acne.
In the study, patients with omega-3 levels below 8% showed higher IGF-1 levels compared to patients without fatty acid deficiency.
This study aimed to study the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood of acne patients in red blood cells and their correlation with the clinical severity of the disease and the dietary habits of patients.
The data show a tendency to a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in the general population.
The study confirmed the worsening of acne in patients with omega-3 deficiency.
Leave a Reply