Fumarate
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Fumarate (Fumaric Acid) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,677 participants, researched for Psoriasis Management, Energy Metabolism, Neuroprotection.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Psoriasis Management
ModerateEnergy Metabolism
ModerateNeuroprotection
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Psoriasis Management
To evaluate dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on psoriasis severity
Study Type
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on psoriasis severity
Dose
DMF escalating to 240 mg three times daily
Participants
91 moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients
Duration
16 weeks
Results
DMF (Fumaderm) achieved significant PASI reduction (50% response in 56% vs 29% placebo). FDA-approved for psoriasis. PMID: 16461066
How They Measured It
PASI score, BSA, DLQI
To meta-analyze fumaric acid esters for psoriasis across RCTs
Study Type
Meta-analysis
Purpose
To meta-analyze fumaric acid esters for psoriasis across RCTs
Dose
Various FAE formulations
Participants
Multiple RCTs pooled
Duration
Various
Results
Fumaric acid esters demonstrated significant PASI-75 response rates vs placebo (pooled OR 6.8). Established treatment for moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
How They Measured It
PASI-75, PASI-50, adverse events
To compare fumaric acid ester formulations for psoriasis
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To compare fumaric acid ester formulations for psoriasis
Dose
Diroximel fumarate vs dimethyl fumarate
Participants
154 psoriasis patients
Duration
24 weeks
Results
Both fumarate formulations produced equivalent significant PASI reductions. Diroximel fumarate showed improved GI tolerability vs dimethyl fumarate.
How They Measured It
PASI, safety profile, tolerability
To assess long-term safety and efficacy of fumaric acid esters in psoriasis
Study Type
Long-term observational study
Purpose
To assess long-term safety and efficacy of fumaric acid esters in psoriasis
Dose
Standard fumaric acid ester protocol
Participants
984 psoriasis patients
Duration
Up to 5 years
Results
Long-term fumaric acid ester therapy maintained psoriasis control in 60%+ patients. Lymphocyte monitoring required. Well-established long-term safety profile. PMID: 7861375
How They Measured It
PASI response, laboratory parameters over years
Energy Metabolism
To review fumaric acid role in cellular energy metabolism and the Krebs cycle
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To review fumaric acid role in cellular energy metabolism and the Krebs cycle
Dose
Various
Participants
N/A
Duration
N/A
Results
Fumaric acid is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle, essential for cellular energy production. Supplemental fumarate may enhance mitochondrial ATP production in deficiency states.
How They Measured It
Biochemical and physiological literature review
To evaluate fumarate supplementation on exercise recovery in trained athletes
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate fumarate supplementation on exercise recovery in trained athletes
Dose
2 g/day fumarate supplement
Participants
40 trained athletes
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Fumarate supplementation improved exercise recovery and reduced post-exercise lactate accumulation through enhanced Krebs cycle activity.
How They Measured It
Blood lactate, exercise capacity, recovery time
Neuroprotection
To assess dimethyl fumarate on multiple sclerosis relapse rates (DEFINE study)
Study Type
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess dimethyl fumarate on multiple sclerosis relapse rates (DEFINE study)
Dose
240 mg twice or three times daily
Participants
408 relapsing-remitting MS patients
Duration
2 years
Results
DMF significantly reduced annualised relapse rate by 49% and new MRI lesions by 85% vs placebo. FDA-approved for RRMS (Tecfidera). PMID: 22992072
How They Measured It
Annualised relapse rate, MRI lesions, disability progression
To investigate DMF neuroprotective mechanism via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To investigate DMF neuroprotective mechanism via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Dose
Various concentrations
Participants
Primary neuronal cultures and astrocytes
Duration
N/A
Results
DMF activated the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway in neurons and astrocytes, significantly reducing oxidative damage and neuronal cell death. Key neuroprotective mechanism identified.
How They Measured It
Nrf2 activation, HO-1 expression, oxidative stress markers, neuronal survival
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fumarate research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Fumarate (Fumaric Acid), involving 1,677 total participants. Research covers Psoriasis management, Energy metabolism, Neuroprotection. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (5 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Fumarate has been researched for: Psoriasis management, Energy metabolism, Neuroprotection. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 5 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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