Omega-3s and Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Research has shown the increasing essential fatty acid (EFA), specifically Omega-3, intake in people with atopic dermatitis (eczema) can be beneficial. People with eczema process EFAs differently, often having more pro-inflammatory Omega-6 and less anti-inflammatory Omega-3 in their blood and the walls of their cells. This decrease in longer-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3’s EPA and DHA) is likely one of the causes of atopic dermatitis (eczema). The ration of Omega-3 to Omega-6 is significantly lower in people with atopic dermatitis. When you take into account the American diet typically being too high in Omega-6s overall, it’s not hard to understand the uphill battle people are fighting to correct the imbalance with diet alone. This is why we generally recommend eating a diet rich in wild caught fish rich in Omega-3, like sardines, herring, mackerel and salmon. Some people – I should probably say most here – will benefit from a fish oil supplement. I prefer fish oil to krill oil because krill can exacerbate “hot” conditions, especially dermatological ones. Research has show that there is a benefit for people with eczema when they increase the levels of DHA (one of the kinds of Omega-3 EFAs) in their blood. Fish oil is much better at increasing the level of DHA in a person’s blood than flax seed oil, so I encourage everyone to consider fish oil, even vegetarians.