The role of omega PUFAs in the complex prevention and treatment of certain skin diseases

Abstract

A growing body of nutritional evidence shows that we are indeed «what we eat» and the fatty acid content of our diet has far-reaching physiological implications, many of which we are only just beginning to understand. A variety of fatty acids are present in the human diet, in the human bloodstream, and in human cells and tissues. Fatty acids are energy sources and components of membranes. They have biological activities that affect cellular and tissue metabolism, function and response, hormonal and other signals. Through these effects, fatty acids affect health, well-being, and disease risk. While the health effects of fatty acids have traditionally been of greatest interest in cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, inflammatory diseases, and reproductive and neurocognitive disorders, it is now clear that fatty acids are also involved in a number of other diseases, including skin diseases, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, acne.