Evidence supporting the use of: DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
For the health condition: Psoriasis

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found primarily in fish oils. Its use in psoriasis is supported by some scientific evidence, though the data are limited and not definitive. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, and omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, have known anti-inflammatory properties due to their ability to modulate cytokine production and reduce the synthesis of inflammatory eicosanoids.

Several small clinical studies and case reports have explored the effects of omega-3 supplementation (usually a combination of EPA and DHA) in patients with psoriasis. Some of these studies have noted modest improvements in psoriasis severity, such as reduced scaling and erythema. The proposed mechanism involves downregulation of inflammatory pathways that are overactive in psoriasis. However, the studies often include both EPA and DHA, making it difficult to isolate the effect of DHA alone. Furthermore, the quality and size of these studies vary, and results are inconsistent.

Major dermatology guidelines do not formally endorse DHA or omega-3 supplementation as a standard treatment for psoriasis, but they acknowledge that omega-3s may have adjunctive benefits for some patients, particularly those with cardiovascular comorbidities. Overall, while there is a plausible biological rationale and some supporting evidence, the strength of the scientific validation is modest, and larger, high-quality trials are needed to establish efficacy and determine optimal dosing.

More about DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
More about Psoriasis

Products containing DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.