Acne vulgaris, mental health and omega-3 fatty acids: a report of cases
2008
Acne, Mental Health, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Case Report
Sample size: 5
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Rubin Mark G, Kim Katherine, Logan Alan C
Hypothesis
Can omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant nutrients improve acne and mental well-being?
Conclusion
The self-administration of omega-3 fatty acids appeared to reduce acne lesions and improve mental well-being in the subjects.
Supporting Evidence
- Four out of five subjects had a reduction in total acne lesions after two months.
- The average total lesion count dropped from 62.8 to 40.4.
- The average inflammatory lesion count decreased from 20.8 to 6.8.
- Subjects reported an average 24 percent improvement in mental well-being.
Takeaway
Taking omega-3 supplements might help people with acne feel better and have clearer skin.
Methodology
Five subjects with mild to moderate acne self-administered an omega-3-based supplement for two months, and their acne lesions and well-being were assessed.
Potential Biases
The awareness of being followed may have influenced the subjects' outcomes.
Limitations
The study involved a small sample size and lacked a control group.
Participant Demographics
Three males and two females aged 18-23.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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