Omega-6 Fatty acids May Cure Dermatitis

In a remarkable research, scientists have found that diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids could cure skin problems like dermatitis. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (UIUC), U.S., established that omega-6 fatty acids are essential elements to maintain a healthy skin and thus keep skin problems at bay. Dermatitis is a condition characterized by redness and inflammation of the skin making it vulnerable thus leading to blistering. According to researchers, “The three major kinds of omega-3 fatty acids are known by their chemical abbreviations--DHA, EPA and ALA. DHA and EPA, found in fish, are most closely associated with health benefits.”
Details of the study
The research team looked at mouse model to understand how fatty acids are responsible in treating skin diseases. For the experiment, the researchers identified a gene responsible for an enzyme known as linoleic acid that helps the body make arachidonic acid--saturated fatty acid known to be an essential component of diet. They then studied the mice before and after feeding them with diets rich in arachidonic acid and arrived at comparative results.