Psoriasis is related to fats in our diet

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Some patients also develop rheumatoid symptoms and metabolic disturbances. The diet plays a major role, and psoriasis patients appear to have fewer polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids in their red blood cells. According to a Polish study that is published in Nutrients, psoriasis patients seem to have an entirely different lipid profile in their red blood cells, which promotes inflammatory processes and increases the severity of the disease.

Psoriasis is a hereditary autoimmune chronic skin ailment that is a result of excessive skin cell proliferation, which causes redness and silvery scales. Some psoriasis patients develop a certain type of rheumatism called psoriatic arthritis. The disease can be accompanied by cardiovascular disturbances and other metabolic disruptions. Chronic inflammation is believed to be involved in all the different symptoms.
Inflammation in the body is generally regulated by the essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, which are present in all cell membranes together with cholesterol and other lipids. We primarily get omega-6 from plant oils, while we get most of our omega-3 from oily fish.
The aim of the new study was to analyze the lipid profile in the red blood cells in patients with psoriasis. Fifty-eight adult patients from the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland, took part in the study. They were interviewed, and they underwent various physical examinations to establish the severity of their psoriasis. Their BMI was calculated, and blood tests revealed biochemical parameters like AST and ALT (liver enzymes), total cholesterol, and CRP (an inflammation marker). From the blood tests, the scientists also isolated various fatty acids in the red blood cell membranes to analyze the fatty acid profile. They found that the patients with the most severe degrees of psoriasis and the most urgent need for medical attention, had an entirely different fatty acid profile in their red blood cells compared to those patients with milder degrees of psoriasis. More specifically, the scientists observed that patients with the most severe degrees of psoriasis had:

• A significantly lower concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect
• Significantly higher concentrations of saturated fatty acids
• Lower concentrations of omega-9, a monounsaturated fatty acid

Overweight patients with a BMI of 25 or higher had significantly higher blood concentrations of the liver enzymes AST and ALT, which is a sign that the liver is burdened. They also had significantly higher concentrations of the omega-6 fatty acid, AA (arachidonic acid), which is pro-inflammatory.
The study suggests that psoriasis patients have an entirely different fatty acid profile in their red blood cells, which includes lower concentrations of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Also, their red blood cells contain more saturated fats and a lower concentration of omega-9 fatty acids. This is associated with more severe degrees of psoriasis and related complications.
Saturated fatty acids are primarily found in animal food sources and coconut oil. The body can also synthesize them. We are also able to synthesize omega-9 fatty acids, which are found in relatively large quantities in olive oil. The Mediterranean diet is very rich in olive oil, which is believed to reduce inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
Due to the limited size of this study, the scientists are not yet able to draw clinical conclusions, but they suggest using the optimal fatty acid ratio as part of the treatment for psoriasis.
Modern diets factually contain generous amounts of omega-6 from plant oils, margarine, deep-fried foods, ready meals, and junk-food, while there is far less omega-3 from fish (especially oily fish). This improper omega-3/omega-6 ratio contributes to chronic inflammation and psoriasis and the related conditions.

Other studies and good advice for psoriasis patients

The Polish study supports earlier research showing that high-dosed omega-3 supplementation has a positive effect on the skin and the inflammatory processes. There is even evidence that psoriasis improves if you don’t drink alcohol, as alcohol burdens the liver. Also, avoid sugar and soft drinks and make sure to get plenty of vitamin D that has an anti-inflammatory effect. In some cases, psoriasis improves if you avoid tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers and other members of the nightshade family. There is even a special diet called the Pagano diet that is specifically beneficial for psoriasis patients.

References:

Mariola Marchlewicz et al. Fatty Acid Profile of Erythrocyte Membranes in Patients with Psoriasis. Nutrients 2024