# Effects of diacylglycerol-enriched alpha-linolenic acid oil on skin properties in mild skin discomfort: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

## TL;DR

A study found that taking diacylglycerol-enriched alpha-linolenic acid oil improves skin hydration and reduces allergy symptoms in people with mild skin discomfort.

## Contribution

This is the first study to evaluate the effects of diacylglycerol-enriched alpha-linolenic acid oil on skin properties and allergic symptoms in humans.

## Key findings

- ALA-DAG intake increased skin hydration in the cheek compared to placebo.
- ALA-DAG reduced nasal congestion, nose itchiness, and mite-specific IgE levels in the blood.
- Facial redness decreased in participants sensitized to mite allergens after ALA-DAG intake.

## Abstract

Skin barrier function impairment and inflammation promote allergen invasion through the skin, leading to sensitization and exacerbation of allergic diseases. Intake of linseed oil, an oil rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), suppresses inflammation and allergic symptoms. To our knowledge, the effects of diacylglycerol-enriched ALA (ALA-DAG) oil intake on skin properties and allergic symptoms have not been evaluated. We performed a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of 60 individuals aged 20–59 years with mild skin discomfort, including dryness, itching, and redness, to investigate the effects of ALA-DAG intake on skin and allergic symptoms. Participants were divided into two groups treated with either 2.5 g/day of ALA-DAG or placebo oil for 8 weeks. The skin properties were measured at baseline and at 8 weeks. Allergic symptoms were measured at 4 and 8 weeks. Compared with placebo oil intake, ALA-DAG intake increased skin hydration in the cheek, reduced nasal congestion and nose itchiness, and decreased mite-specific immunoglobulin E in the blood. Subgroup analysis showed that participants who were positive for mite allergen sensitization had reduced facial redness after ingesting ALA-DAG. These findings suggest that ALA-DAG intake improves skin properties and alleviates allergic symptoms.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-34887-3.