Problems with your skin might because of a number of factors: diseases, allergic reactions and nutritional deficiencies are just some of the possible causes of skin disorders. Research studies have established a link between nutrition and skin disorders, but more research is needed to fully understand all the connections.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are important nutrients for your health; they are essential fatty acids, meaning your body cannot make them on its own. You need omega-3s from foods. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3s. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, research indicates that fish oil may help protect you from skin disorders. One study showed that fish oil supplements help protect people from sun damage, though sunscreen works better. Another study found that patients with the skin condition psoriasis who took omega-3 supplements along with prescription medications had better results than those who only took medications.
Skin Condition
A study published in the" American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in May 2001 evaluated how nutrients affect skin condition. Researchers were concerned specifically with vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and carotenoids, which are pigments in algae, fruits and vegetables. Researchers said that supplements of these nutrients are beneficial for skin disorders, immune responses and protection from the sun. But researchers suggest that more research is necessary to judge the benefits of low-to-moderate amounts of supplements on skin hydration, elasticity and sebum production in healthy people. Sebum is an oily, waxy substance your glands make to lubricate your skin and hair.
Children
Children require sufficient nutrients for optimal growth and development. A study published in "Seminars in Dermatology" journal in March 1992 stated that children might have multiple, overlapping nutrition deficiencies that translate into a variety of skin problems. Some skin manifestations might indicate a specific deficiency, but it is often hard to distinguish what deficiency is causing what symptoms. Deficiencies might cause malnutrition. Eating too few nutrients is one cause of malnutrition in children. Other causes might be difficultly absorbing nutrients, poor nutrient utilization and an increase in catabolism, which is the breakdown of molecules during digestion.
Celiac Disease
Fifteen to 25 percent of people with celiac disease develop a skin disorder called dermatitis herpetiformis, according to a study published in the "World Journal of Gastroenterology" in November 2006. Celiac disease is an intolerance to a protein called gluten that is found in most grains. Celiac damages the small intestine -- the organ that absorbs most nutrients -- leading to malabsorption. Celiac can cause digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, but in adults it more likely manifests as non-digestive symptoms such as dermatitis herpetiformis. Dermatitis herpetiformis is an itchy skin rash that most often presents on the knees, elbows and buttocks.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Institute Clearinghouse: Celiac Disease
- Seminars in Dermatology: Skin Signs of Nutritional Disorders
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Nutritional Skin Care -- Health Effects of Micronutrients and Fatty Acids
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- World Journal of Gastroenterology: Celiac Disease
- Linus Pauling Institute: Carotenoids
