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

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Synopsis

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

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and certain plant oils, have been investigated for their potential to support or treat psoriasis due to their anti-inflammatory properties. The scientific rationale is that omega-3s, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), can alter the production of eicosanoids and cytokines, leading to reduced inflammation—a key factor in psoriasis pathogenesis.

Several small clinical trials and observational studies have examined the effect of omega-3 supplementation on psoriasis severity. Some studies have reported modest improvements in skin lesion severity, erythema, and scaling, while others have found little or no benefit compared to placebo. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews (e.g., Cochrane reviews) generally conclude that the evidence for a significant clinical benefit is limited and inconsistent, with methodological weaknesses such as small sample sizes, short study durations, and heterogeneous dosing regimens.

Despite the lack of robust evidence, omega-3 fatty acids remain of interest due to their favorable safety profile and general health benefits. They are sometimes used as adjunct therapy in psoriasis, particularly in patients interested in dietary modifications. In summary, the use of omega-3 fatty acids to support or treat psoriasis is scientifically plausible, but current evidence is weak and does not support their use as a primary or sole treatment.

More about omega-3 fatty acids
More about Psoriasis

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