Foods that contain arachidonic acid and their impact on psoriasis

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2017 study, over 50% of people with psoriasis reported improved symptoms after reducing their intake of alcohol, gluten, and nightshades. Learning what foods contain arachidonic acid is also key, as this omega-6 fatty acid can contribute to the inflammatory process associated with psoriasis flare-ups.

Quick Summary

Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid found primarily in animal products like red meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy. It can be converted into inflammatory compounds that may worsen psoriasis symptoms. A balanced diet low in these potential triggers is important for managing psoriasis.

Key Points

Sources of Arachidonic Acid: Foods high in arachidonic acid include red meat, poultry with skin, eggs, dairy products, and organ meats.
AA's Role in Psoriasis: Arachidonic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that can be converted into pro-inflammatory compounds, potentially worsening psoriasis symptoms.
The Omega-6 to Omega-3 Balance: A diet high in AA (omega-6) and low in anti-inflammatory omega-3s may increase the inflammatory response associated with psoriasis.
Dietary Strategy: To manage psoriasis, it is advisable to reduce intake of AA-rich foods while increasing consumption of anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Lifestyle is Key: Diet is one component of a holistic approach; maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly are also important for managing inflammation and reducing flare-ups.
Consult a Professional: Due to individual differences and the complexity of the condition, any significant dietary changes should be discussed with a healthcare provider or dietitian.

Understanding the role of arachidonic acid in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition where the immune system becomes overactive, leading to an overproduction of skin cells. The red, scaly plaques characteristic of psoriasis are a direct result of this inflammatory response. Arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid found in many common foods, plays a pivotal role in inflammation.

When AA is released from cell membranes, it is converted into eicosanoids, a group of signaling molecules that includes pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. While these molecules are essential for the body's normal immune response and wound healing, an overabundance, potentially from a diet high in AA, can worsen inflammatory conditions like psoriasis. This is in contrast to omega-3 fatty acids, which produce less inflammatory or anti-inflammatory eicosanoids and are often recommended for managing psoriasis.

High arachidonic acid foods to consider limiting with psoriasis

For those with psoriasis, limiting or avoiding certain foods high in arachidonic acid may help manage symptoms, though individual triggers vary.

Red Meat: Beef, especially fattier cuts, and processed meats like sausage and bacon are rich sources of AA. Studies have found that by-products of arachidonic acid may contribute to the development of psoriatic lesions. Reducing your consumption of red meat is a common dietary recommendation for psoriasis management.
Eggs: Egg yolks contain a significant amount of arachidonic acid. While eggs are a good source of protein, some people with psoriasis may notice an improvement in symptoms by limiting their intake.
Dairy Products: Whole milk, cheese, and butter contain arachidonic acid. Choosing low-fat or fat-free dairy options can help reduce AA intake, or considering dairy-free alternatives entirely may be beneficial for some individuals.
Poultry (with skin): The fat in poultry, especially the skin, is a source of AA. Opting for skinless chicken or turkey can be a simple way to decrease intake.
Organ Meats: Liver and kidneys are particularly concentrated sources of AA. Many dietary guidelines for inflammatory conditions suggest limiting these foods.

Anti-inflammatory foods that may help with psoriasis

Focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help balance the effects of omega-6s like AA. The Mediterranean diet is frequently recommended for people with psoriasis.

Anti-inflammatory food options include:

Fatty fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3s, which directly compete with AA.
Fruits and vegetables: A diet rich in high-fiber fruits and leafy greens provides antioxidants that can help combat inflammation. Berries, oranges, spinach, and kale are great examples.
Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds offer healthy fats and omega-3s.
Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and beans are high in fiber and plant-based protein.
Healthy oils: Extra-virgin olive oil contains healthy fats and is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet.

Arachidonic acid vs. omega-3 fatty acids: a comparison


Feature	Arachidonic Acid (Omega-6)	Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Primary Dietary Sources	Red meat, eggs, dairy, organ meats, some poultry	Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseed, walnuts, olive oil
Inflammatory Effect	Precursor to pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, potentially worsening psoriasis symptoms	Precursor to anti-inflammatory compounds, which may help manage psoriasis
Role in Psoriasis	High intake may exacerbate the inflammatory cycle and flare-ups	Recommended as part of a balanced diet to help reduce inflammation
Effect on the Body	Essential for cell function, but excess can promote inflammation	Essential for health, balancing omega-6 effects and supporting anti-inflammatory processes

Lifestyle factors beyond diet

While diet is a key component of managing psoriasis, other lifestyle factors also play a crucial role. Maintaining a healthy weight is strongly recommended, as obesity can increase systemic inflammation and worsen psoriasis severity. Regular exercise is also beneficial for both weight management and overall immune function. It's important to understand that dietary changes are a complementary strategy, not a replacement for medical treatment. Individuals should work with a healthcare provider to create a comprehensive management plan. Keeping a food diary can also be helpful in identifying personal triggers. The ultimate goal is to reduce overall inflammation and support a healthy immune system through a holistic approach that includes diet, exercise, and medical supervision.

Conclusion

Arachidonic acid is a pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid present in animal products like red meat, eggs, and dairy. For people with psoriasis, reducing the intake of these foods may help manage inflammation and mitigate symptoms. Simultaneously, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods rich in omega-3s, such as fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, can support overall skin health and reduce the risk of flares. Remember to consult a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes, and use food as a powerful tool alongside prescribed treatments. A balanced, mindful approach to nutrition can be a significant step towards better managing psoriasis and its related symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arachidonic acid is a precursor to pro-inflammatory signaling molecules called eicosanoids. In individuals with psoriasis, a condition characterized by an overactive inflammatory response, a high intake of arachidonic acid can potentially exacerbate this inflammation and worsen symptoms like red, scaly plaques.

Red meats, such as beef and pork, contain significant amounts of arachidonic acid, particularly in the fat. Processed red meats like sausage and bacon are also rich in this omega-6 fatty acid and are often recommended to be limited in a psoriasis diet.

Eggs, specifically the yolks, contain arachidonic acid. Some people with psoriasis report that limiting or removing eggs from their diet helps manage their symptoms, but individual triggers vary. It is a dietary modification that can be explored in consultation with a doctor.

No, not all fatty acids cause inflammation. While omega-6 fatty acids like arachidonic acid can be pro-inflammatory, omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish and certain seeds are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. The balance between these two types of fatty acids is important for regulating the body's inflammatory response.

The Mediterranean diet is often recommended for psoriasis because it emphasizes anti-inflammatory foods. It is rich in fruits, vegetables, fatty fish (for omega-3s), nuts, and olive oil, while limiting red meat, processed foods, and high-fat dairy, which aligns with strategies to reduce overall inflammation.

Dairy products contain arachidonic acid, and some individuals with psoriasis may find that reducing or eliminating them helps their symptoms. While some people may see benefits, it is not a universal solution, and consulting a healthcare provider before major dietary changes is recommended. Low-fat or fat-free options are less likely to contain high levels of AA.

To improve your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, you can reduce your intake of foods high in arachidonic acid (omega-6) like red meat and processed foods. Concurrently, increase your consumption of foods rich in omega-3s, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.