Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Psoriasis
D Early Research Only preliminary research exists (lab studies, case reports).Some RCTs suggest omega-3 supplementation may modestly improve psoriasis severity through anti-inflammatory effects, but results are inconsistent across trials.
The Bottom Line
Some RCTs suggest omega-3 supplementation may modestly improve psoriasis severity through anti-inflammatory effects, but results are inconsistent across trials.
Key Study Findings
Population: review of naturally derived bioactive compounds for psoriasis (flavonoids, terpenoids, omega-3, alkaloids)
Population: Patients with acne, HS, or psoriasis
Population: Crohn's disease patients
Population: psoriasis patients
Population: psoriasis patients
Key Statistics
6
Studies
400
Participants
Positive
Grade
Referenced Papers
Dosage & Usage
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units
Commonly Used Dosages
- general:
- 250-500 mg combined EPA/DHA per day
- skinhealth:
- 1,000-2,000 mg/day EPA+DHA
Upper limit: 3,000 mg/day combined EPA/DHA (FDA GRAS)
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| None | -- | Neutral | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| 100 mg | -- | Mixed | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| EPA and DHA | -- | Positive | -- |
| Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) | -- | Positive | -- |
Best taken: With meals containing fat for better absorption
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Fishy aftertaste or burping
- ⚠ Mild gastrointestinal discomfort
- ⚠ Potential increased bleeding time at very high doses
- ⚠ May lower blood pressure slightly
Known Interactions
- ● Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (may increase bleeding risk at high doses)
- ● Blood pressure medications (additive hypotensive effect)
- ● Orlistat (may reduce omega-3 absorption)
Tolerable upper intake: 3,000 mg/day combined EPA/DHA (FDA GRAS)
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Omega-3 Fatty Acids help with Psoriasis?
How much Omega-3 Fatty Acids should I take for Psoriasis?
Are there side effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
How strong is the evidence for Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Psoriasis?
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Psoriasis
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for other conditions
References
- [1] Ada Radu et al.. Inflammopharmacology. 2025. Naturally derived bioactive compounds as precision modulators of immune and inflammatory mechanisms in psoriatic conditions. doi:10.1007/s10787-024-01602-z PubMed
- [2] Luigi Barrea et al.. Curr Obes Rep. 2025. Medical Nutrition Therapy in Dermatological Diseases: A Joint Consensus Statement of the Italian Association of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition (ADI), … doi:10.1007/s13679-025-00630-2 PubMed
- [3] Kimsor Hong et al.. Autoimmun Rev. 2024. Association between Omega-3 fatty acids and autoimmune disease: Evidence from the umbrella review and Mendelian randomization analysis. doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103651 PubMed
- [4] Kabir Sardana et al.. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022. Role of nutritional supplements in selected dermatological disorders: A review. doi:10.1111/jocd.14436 PubMed
- [5] Meagen McCusker et al.. Clin Dermatol. 2016. Nutrition and skin: Kids are not just little people. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.07.004 PubMed
- [6] Mohd Hanif Zulfakar et al.. FEBS Open Bio. 2016. In vivo response of GsdmA3(Dfl)/+ mice to topically applied fish oil - effects on cellular markers and macrophages. doi:10.1002/2211-5463.12095 PubMed
- [7] Jillian W Millsop et al.. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014. Diet and psoriasis, part III: role of nutritional supplements. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2014.03.016 PubMed
- [8] Trevor A Mori et al.. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2004. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammation. doi:10.1007/s11883-004-0087-5 PubMed
- [9] Artemis P Simopoulos. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002. Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. doi:10.1080/07315724.2002.10719248 PubMed
- [10] A Heller et al.. Drugs. 1998. Lipid mediators in inflammatory disorders. doi:10.2165/00003495-199855040-00001 PubMed
- [11] C Cukier et al.. Arq Gastroenterol. 1996. [Biological activity of fish oil]. PubMed
- [12] A P Simopoulos. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991. Omega-3 fatty acids in health and disease and in growth and development. doi:10.1093/ajcn/54.3.438 PubMed
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