DIETARY intake of diacylglycerol-enriched alpha-linolenic acid (ALA-DAG) oil was shown to improve skin hydration and reduce allergic symptoms in adults with mild skin discomfort, according to new randomised trial data.
Researchers investigated whether ALA-DAG oil, a modified form of a plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid, could support skin barrier function and modulate allergic responses. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is naturally found in foods such as flaxseed, walnuts, chia seeds, and rapeseed oil, and has been widely studied for its anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects. However, its impact on skin properties and allergic outcomes has remained underexplored.
ALA-DAG Oil and Skin Barrier Function
The double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study enrolled 60 adults aged 20–59 years with mild skin discomfort, including dryness, itchiness, and redness. Participants were assigned to receive either 2.5 g/day of ALA-DAG oil or a placebo oil for eight weeks. Skin hydration and redness were assessed at baseline and at eight weeks, while allergic symptoms were evaluated at four and eight weeks.
Compared with placebo, ALA-DAG oil intake significantly increased cheek skin hydration, indicating improved skin barrier function. Adequate hydration is critical for maintaining epidermal integrity and limiting allergen penetration, which can exacerbate both irritation and allergic sensitisation. In a subgroup analysis, participants with mite allergen sensitisation also experienced a significant reduction in facial redness following ALA-DAG oil intake.
In addition to dermatological benefits, ALA-DAG oil was associated with improvements in allergic symptoms. Participants reported reduced nasal congestion and nose itchiness, alongside a measurable decrease in mite-specific immunoglobulin E levels in the blood, suggesting a dampening of allergic immune responses.
ALA is a precursor to longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids and has been linked to cardiovascular benefits, including reductions in inflammation, improved lipid metabolism, and lower cardiovascular disease risk. Previous population studies have associated higher dietary ALA intake, from foods such as walnuts and flaxseed, with improved heart health outcomes, making the observed skin and allergy benefits particularly notable.
Clinical Implications and Limitations
The authors acknowledged several limitations, including the modest sample size, short intervention period, and focus on individuals with mild symptoms. As such, findings may not be generalisable to patients with more severe skin disorders or allergic disease.
Nonetheless, the results suggest that ALA-DAG oil supplementation may offer a simple, dietary-based approach to improving skin hydration while simultaneously alleviating mild allergic symptoms. Larger, longer-term trials are warranted to confirm these findings and explore potential benefits across dermatological, allergic, and cardiovascular health domains.
Reference
Fukagawa S et al. Effects of diacylglycerol-enriched alpha-linolenic acid oil on skin properties in mild skin discomfort: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Sci Rep. 2026; DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-34887-3.
