Fish Oil for Psoriasis: Does It Really Help?

meta-analysis PMID: 31805911

Quick Summary: Research suggests that taking fish oil supplements can help reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms. A review of multiple studies found that fish oil, especially with higher doses, can lead to improvements in skin inflammation.

Does Fish Oil Help Psoriasis?

Yes, the research indicates that fish oil can be beneficial for people with psoriasis. A review of 15 different studies showed that fish oil supplements helped reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms. This was measured using a scale called the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).

Study Details

Who was studied: Mostly adults with mild to moderate psoriasis.

How long: Studies lasted between 6 to 24 weeks.

What they took: Participants took fish oil supplements. The amount of fish oil varied, but higher doses (over 2.1 grams of EPA/DHA per day) seemed to work better.

What This Means For You

Consider fish oil: If you have psoriasis, talk to your doctor about adding fish oil to your treatment plan.

Look for higher doses: If you decide to try fish oil, consider a supplement with a higher amount of EPA and DHA (the active ingredients).

Don't ditch your current treatment: Fish oil may help, but it's not a replacement for treatments your doctor has prescribed.

Study Limitations

Different doses: The amount of fish oil used in the studies varied, making it hard to know the perfect dose.

Short studies: Most studies were relatively short, so we don't know the long-term effects of fish oil.

More research needed: More research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the best way to use fish oil for psoriasis.

Not for everyone: The study focused on adults with mild to moderate psoriasis. It's unclear if it would work the same way for severe cases or children.

Key Findings

The meta-analysis found that fish oil supplementation significantly reduced psoriasis severity, measured by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.41 (95% CI -0.67 to -0.15, p=0.003). Subgroup analysis revealed greater efficacy with higher doses (>2.1g/day of combined EPA/DHA) and formulations containing more eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). No significant effects were observed on quality of life metrics (p=0.12).

Study Design

This meta-analysis pooled data from 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 769 total participants. Studies were selected based on predefined criteria, including placebo-controlled designs and use of omega-3 fatty acids as the intervention. Treatment durations ranged from 6 to 24 weeks. Participants were predominantly adults with mild-to-moderate psoriasis.

Dosage & Administration

Daily doses of fish oil varied widely across trials, ranging from 0.4g to 15.1g of combined EPA and DHA. Administration was primarily via oral capsules, with most trials using formulations containing both EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Dose-response analysis focused on studies using >2.1g/day of EPA/DHA.

Results & Efficacy

Fish oil supplementation reduced PASI scores by an average of 0.41 standard deviations compared to placebo (SMD -0.41, p=0.003). Trials using doses >2.1g/day showed stronger effects (SMD -0.59, p=0.0006). Studies with higher EPA content (>50% of total omega-3s) demonstrated greater reductions in PASI (SMD -0.64, p<0.0001). However, no significant improvements were noted in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores (p=0.12).

Limitations

The analysis noted significant heterogeneity between studies (I²=72%), likely due to variable dosages, formulations, and trial durations. Many included trials had small sample sizes (<50 participants), and follow-up periods were generally short-term (≤24 weeks). Most participants were adults with mild-to-moderate psoriasis, limiting generalizability to severe cases or pediatric populations. Publication bias could not be ruled out.

Clinical Relevance

For individuals with psoriasis, fish oil may serve as an adjunct therapy to reduce skin inflammation, particularly at doses exceeding 2.1g/day of combined EPA/DHA. However, it should not replace standard treatments like biologics or phototherapy. Results suggest EPA-rich formulations might be more effective. Long-term safety and optimal dosing remain unclear, warranting further research. Patients should consult healthcare providers to assess suitability alongside existing regimens.

Analysis based on study details provided. Full data from the original source may refine these conclusions.