Investigating Atopic Dermatitis Prevention With Omega-3 Supplementation in Different Ethnic Populations

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 5% of adults and 13% of children worldwide. Individuals with skin of color (SOC) are disproportionately affected and often experience more severe disease manifestations, including pigmentary changes and lichenification. Despite these disparities, SOC populations remain underrepresented in AD research, limiting the development of targeted prevention strategies. Emerging evidence suggests that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may play a protective role in AD through anti-inflammatory effects and support of the epidermal lipid barrier. However, the potential benefits of omega-3 supplementation in SOC populations have not been specifically examined. Global studies demonstrate significant geographic variation in omega-3 blood levels, with lower levels observed in many regions that include large SOC populations, suggesting that dietary differences may contribute to inflammatory disease risk. In addition, genetic variation in fatty acid desaturase genes influences endogenous omega-3 metabolism and may vary across ethnic groups, potentially affecting susceptibility to AD and responses to supplementation. Together, these dietary and genetic factors highlight the importance of evaluating omega-3 fatty acids as a potential preventive strategy in SOC populations. Further research examining omega-3 intake, fatty acid metabolism, and AD outcomes in diverse populations is needed to better understand their role in disease prevention and to address existing disparities in dermatologic care.