Treatment of Acne Vulgaris in Adolescents Using Magnesium, Phosphate and Fatty Acids (Omega 6 and 7)

What is it about?

The burden of disease associated with acne vulgaris has continued to increase over time in the world population. This continued growth suggests that there is an unmet dermatologic need for this condition worldwide. Potential sequelae of acne, such as scarring, depigmen- tation, and marked emotional and psychological problems (e.g., low self-esteem), can lead to significant morbidity. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether dietary supplementation with mag- nesium, phosphate, omega 6 (linoleic acid calcium salt - C18:2 fatty acid Ca salt), and omega 7 (palmitoleic acid calcium salt - C16:1 fatty acid Ca salt) would help patients with acne vulgaris, and to compare with isotretinoin (13-cis retinoic acid). Magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties. Linoleic and palmitoleic acids have bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes). A single-blind randomized study was conducted in which 257 patients were treated with the above dietary supplementation (group A) and 275 patients with isotretinoin (group B) for 6months. All patients in group A (100%) reported com- plete regression of symptoms after 6months of treatment. On the other hand, 187 subjects (68%) in group B reported complete reso- lution of symptoms during the same period. The difference between the groups (p < 0.05) was statistically significant. The study was approved by the CEP/CONEP. This natural formulation promotes regression and/or cure of acne vulgaris symptoms and has better results than drugs (such as isotretinoin), without significant side effects.

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Photo by Leohoho on Unsplash

Photo by Leohoho on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This paper describes a natural formula to regress and cure acne vulgaris in adolescent and young adult patients, without the side effects of isotretinoin. A patent was filed in INPI (Brazil).

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