title: A dietary supplement to reduce side effects of oral isotretinoin therapy in acne patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the study was to analyze the potential capacity of a dietary supplement, based on gamma linolenic acid, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, coenzyme Q10 and Vitis Vitifera, to reduce side effects, in particular the dry skin, erythema and desquamation, due to treatment with oral isotretinoin, and evaluate the ability of the product to increase adherence to therapy in patients with acne.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-eight patients with nodular acne (32 females and 16 males) were randomly divided into 2 groups: 24 received isotretinoin therapy (20-30 mg/day) for 6 months associated to dietary supplement (twice a day), while the other 24 patients received only isotretinoin (20-30 mg/day) for 6 months. For all patients the degree of acne severity, through GAGS (Global Acne Grading System), the sebum production by Sebutape, the hydration by Corneometer and the erythema by Mexameter, were measured. We have also evaluated the adherence to treatment, asking to patients how many days a week they follow the therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients treated with dietary supplement had lower side effects, with a less degree of erythema and dryness, and greater degree of hydration; a greater adherence to therapy was also reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Thanks to antioxidant and moisturizing properties, the dietary supplement containing gamma linolenic acid, vitamin E, vitamin C, betacarotene, coenzyme Q10 and Vitis Vitifera, can be considered a useful supplement in the treatment and prevention of dry skin associated with the use of oral isotretinoin.
authors: Section of Clinical Dermatology Allergology and Venereology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy - gafabbro@unina.it.
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Fabbrocini
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Cameli
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Lorenzi
authors: M P
authors: MP
authors: De Padova
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Marasca
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Izzo
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Monfrecola
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004890:Erythema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014451:Ubiquinone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D027843:Vitis; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D014815:Vitamins; D019207:beta Carotene; D014451:Ubiquinone; D014810:Vitamin E; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid; D015474:Isotretinoin; C024989:coenzyme Q10; D001205:Ascorbic Acid