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Psoriasis treatment: Can fish oil supplements reduce symptoms?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/psoriasis-treatment/AN02043
- With Mayo Clinic internist
Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
Brent Bauer, M.D., is board certified in internal medicine. He is a consultant in the Department of Internal Medicine and director of the Department of Internal Medicine's Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dr. Bauer, a native of Madison, Wis., is also a professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School and a graduate of Mayo Medical School.
He serves on the editorial board of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter and is medical editor for EmbodyHealth Newsletter. He has been on staff at Mayo Clinic since 1992, first practicing at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., before joining Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., in 1996.
Dr. Bauer's principal research focus is the scientific evaluation of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies that patients and consumers are using with increasing frequency. He has authored several book chapters and papers on this topic, and is the medical editor of the "Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine." Dr. Bauer also spearheaded collaboration between Mayo Clinic and Gaiam in the creation of a series of 10 DVDs (Mayo Clinic Wellness Solutions). These DVDs address common health problems (for example, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure) with integrative medicine approaches that empower people to take charge of their health. His work is at the forefront of the emerging field of integrative medicine which combines the best of conventional medicine with the best of evidence-based complementary therapies.
Dr. Bauer has served on the NIH-NCCAM study section and is currently collaborating on over 20 studies being conducted at Mayo Clinic evaluating CAM therapies ranging from acupuncture to valerian. He is also a member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society; the American Federation for Medical Research; the North Central Cancer Treatment Group and other professional organizations.
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Question
Psoriasis treatment: Can fish oil supplements reduce symptoms?
Can fish oil supplements improve psoriasis symptoms?
Answer
from Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
Psoriasis is less common in populations whose regular diet includes cold-water fish containing omega-3 fatty acids. But study results have been mixed as to whether fish oil supplements can reduce inflammation and improve psoriasis signs and symptoms, such as itching and scaling. The latest findings suggest that fish oil delivered intravenously reduces psoriasis symptoms better than fish oil supplements taken by mouth.
Side effects of high-dose fish oil supplements can include a fishy aftertaste, heartburn and nausea. Dosages greater than 3 grams a day can affect blood clotting, increase your risk of bleeding and decrease blood pressure. This may be of particular concern if you're taking blood-thinning medication or high blood pressure medication.
Next questionScalp psoriasis vs. seborrheic dermatitis: What's the difference?
- Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-2/0/1494/0.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2012.
- Smith N, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine for psoriasis: A qualitative review of the clinical trial literature. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2009;61:841.
- Fish oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Feb. 10, 2012.
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