Oral Lipids/Fatty Acids Supplements and Eczema: What Is Known?

The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) points to skin barrier dysfunction as a critical piece of the puzzle. Deficiencies in fatty acids and ceramides-key elements of the skin barrier-have been linked to AD. Fatty acids can be separated into omega-3 and omega-6, which can be found in a variety of foods such as fish, nuts, seeds, and even plants. In dogs, supplementation with oral fatty acids has shown promising benefits. This review aims to explore whether humans can similarly benefit from these supplements based on current literature. The results of our search varied by compound type. For borage oil and evening primrose oil, evidence of their effectiveness is mixed, though they may offer some preventative benefits. Fish oil supplements appear to be effective in treating AD, as they reduce clinical scores and symptom severity. Oral ceramides, blackcurrant seed oil, and hempseed oil have yet to be thoroughly studied, but preliminary results are promising. Among the studies, the supplementation doses and duration of treatment varied extensively. The literature did not provide comparative analysis between the supplements, and data on the overall safety and tolerability of these supplements are limited. While some evidence is promising, the reliability of these products, as well as their optimal dosage and frequency, remains uncertain.