WEDNESDAY, Oct. 25, 2023 -- Nutraceutical supplements may be useful for the treatment of acne, with potential benefits seen for vitamins B5 and D, botanical extracts (green tea), probiotics, and ω-3 fatty acids, according to a systematic review published online Oct. 25 in JAMA Dermatology.

Ali Shields, from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and colleagues examined the evidence for oral nutraceuticals in the treatment of acne in a systematic review. Randomized clinical trials evaluating oral nutraceutical interventions in individuals with acne were identified; 42 studies, with 3,346 participants, were included.

The researchers found that for the treatment of acne, the potential benefit of vitamins B5 and D, botanical extracts (green tea), probiotics, and ω-3 fatty acids was demonstrated in studies of fair or good quality. The most frequent associations for these interventions were with reduced lesion counts or improved investigator global assessment scores. For most of the therapies assessed, adverse effects were rare, but gastrointestinal tract adverse events were reported for zinc therapy.

"Available evidence is limited, and larger trials are needed to better understand the efficacy of these treatments," the authors write. "Physicians should be prepared to discuss the evidence for nutraceuticals with patients."

Several authors disclosed ties to the biopharmaceutical industry.