Impact of Ketogenic Diets on Skin Inflammation in Psoriasis Patients

Understanding Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects over 100 million people globally. Characterized by red, patchy skin primarily around the elbows and knees, psoriasis can manifest anywhere on the body. This non-contagious disease arises from an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks the body. Beyond physical discomfort, psoriasis also brings significant stigma and emotional challenges, often leading to higher rates of depression and a diminished quality of life.

Inflammation and Its Effects

Psoriasis is closely linked to inflammation, which can affect the skin, nearby joints (known as psoriatic arthritis), and blood vessels. Recent studies indicate that dietary choices play a crucial role in managing inflammation. Ketogenic diets, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, may offer relief for individuals suffering from skin inflammation.

Recent Research Findings

Researchers from Paracelsus Medical University in Salzburg, Austria, conducted a study to explore the effects of ketogenic diets on skin inflammation. Their findings were published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. During the study, various diets were administered to mice, including a standard diet, a ketogenic diet rich in long-chain triglycerides, a ketogenic diet high in both long and medium-chain triglycerides, and combinations of these diets supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids and medium-chain triglycerides are believed to provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Dietary Impacts on Psoriasis Symptoms

The study revealed that mice on a ketogenic diet with high medium-chain triglycerides experienced worsened psoriasis symptoms compared to those on a non-ketogenic diet. Conversely, those on ketogenic diets predominantly composed of long-chain triglycerides did not see an exacerbation of their psoriasis. However, the researchers did not conclusively determine that a ketogenic diet reduces skin inflammation.

Expert Insights

Dr. Barbara Kofler, co-lead of the study, stated in a press release, “We found that a well-balanced ketogenic diet, limited primarily to long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) like olive oil, soybean oil, fish, nuts, avocado, and meats, does not exacerbate skin inflammation. However, ketogenic diets containing high amounts of MCTs, especially in combination with omega-3 fatty acids, should be used with caution since they may aggravate pre-existing skin inflammatory conditions.”

Conclusion

This study underscores the importance of diet in managing psoriasis-related inflammation. Individuals seeking to control inflammation should avoid ketogenic diets high in medium-chain triglycerides to prevent potential aggravation of their symptoms.

References

Nagpal R, Neth B, Wang S, Craft S, Yadav H. Modified Mediterranean-ketogenic diet modulates gut microbiome and short-chain fatty acids in association with Alzheimer’s disease markers in subjects with mild cognitive impairment. EBioMedicine. 2019;47:529-542. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.08.032

Locker F, Leitner J, Aminzadeh-Gohari S et al. The Influence of Ketogenic Diets on Psoriasiform-Like Skin Inflammation. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2019. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2019.07.718

Psoriasis | CDC. Cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/psoriasis/index.htm. Published 2019. Accessed October 19, 2019.

Michalek I, Loring B. Global Report on Psoriasis. Apps.who.int. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/204417/9789241565189_eng.pdf;sequence=1. Published 2016. Accessed October 19, 2019.

Jiang Z, Zhang S, Wang X, Yang N, Zhu Y, Wilmore D. A Comparison of Medium-Chain and Long-Chain Triglycerides in Surgical Patients. Ann Surg. 1993;217(2):175-184. doi:10.1097/00000658-199302000-00012