Acne Vulgaris, Mental Health and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: a Report of Cases

Overview

Journal Lipids Health Dis

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialties Biochemistry
Endocrinology

Date 2008 Oct 15

PMID 18851733

Citations 12

Authors

Mark G. Rubin

Katherine Kim

Alan C Logan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition, one that is associated with significant psychological disability. The psychological impairments in acne include higher rates of depression, anxiety, anger and suicidal thoughts. Despite a paucity of clinical research, patients with skin conditions and/or mental health disorders are frequent consumers of dietary supplements. An overlap may exist between nutrients that potentially have both anti-acne and mood regulating properties; examples include omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, chromium, zinc and selenium. Here we report on five cases of acne treated with eicosapentaenoic acid and antioxidant nutrients. Self-administration of these nutrients may have improved inflammatory acne lesions and global aspects of well-being; the observations suggest a need for controlled trials.

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