Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found primarily in fish oil, has been studied for its potential role in supporting and treating psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The rationale for EPA use in psoriasis is based on its anti-inflammatory properties. EPA can compete with arachidonic acid for incorporation into cell membranes and for enzymatic conversion to eicosanoids. This leads to the production of less inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which may help in reducing the inflammatory processes that drive psoriatic lesions.

Clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of EPA in psoriasis is mixed and generally limited in scope. Some small randomized controlled trials and open-label studies have reported modest improvements in psoriasis severity when patients are given fish oil supplements rich in EPA, often in combination with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). For example, a few studies from the 1980s and 1990s noted reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores. However, other trials have failed to demonstrate significant benefit, and meta-analyses generally conclude that while there may be a mild effect, the evidence is inconsistent and not robust enough to recommend EPA as a standalone therapy.

In summary, while there is a scientific basis and some clinical evidence suggesting EPA may benefit psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory effects, the overall quality and consistency of the evidence is moderate at best, and EPA is usually considered as an adjunct to conventional treatments rather than a primary therapy.

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Products containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

Nature's Sunshine Circulatory System
Nature's Sunshine DHA
Nature's Sunshine Krill Oil (With Vitamin K2)
Nature's Sunshine Super Omega 3 EPA
Nature's Sunshine Super Omega 3 EPA
Nature's Sunshine Super Trio