Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the health condition: Acne

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Omega-3 fatty acids have been investigated for their role in supporting and treating acne, and there is emerging but limited scientific evidence supporting their benefit. Omega-3s, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Since acne is considered, in part, an inflammatory condition, reducing systemic inflammation can theoretically help manage acne symptoms. Several small-scale clinical trials and observational studies have suggested that individuals with higher dietary intake of omega-3s may experience lower acne severity. For instance, a 2012 randomized controlled trial found that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids led to a modest reduction in inflammatory acne lesions compared to control groups. Additionally, omega-3s may help modulate the production of certain cytokines and reduce levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), both of which have been implicated in acne pathogenesis.

However, the overall quality of evidence is low to moderate due to small sample sizes, lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials, and variability in study designs. While omega-3s are not a first-line treatment for acne, they may be considered as a complementary approach, especially in individuals with diets low in these fatty acids or those seeking adjunctive, anti-inflammatory therapies. Further research is needed to clarify optimal dosing, long-term effects, and the populations most likely to benefit from supplementation.

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Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids

Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Anger (excessive)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Defects (prevention)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Building
Broken Bones
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Exercise
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritability
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Muscular Dystrophy
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Numbness
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pets (supplements for)
PMS Type D
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Polyps
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Raynaud's Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rosacea
Schizophrenia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seborrhea
Seizures
Senility
Sickle Cell Anemia
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Spinal Disks
Strokes
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Thinking (cloudy)
Thrombosis
Triglycerides (high)
Triglycerides (low)
Vaginal Dryness