This Saudi Arabian boy developed rare cholesterol-related skin lesions after taking excessive quantities of omega-3 fatty acid supplements — three or more daily for six months.

The boy, aged seven, had slowly developed painless bilateral xanthomas of the elbows, knees, popliteal fossae and palmar creases when doctors finally saw him.

His parents reported that he had been taking lolly-like omega-3 capsules amounting to 3000-4000mg a day.

Tests revealed that total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and cholesterol/HDL ratio were elevated but triglyceride, very LDL, HDL levels and other blood results were normal.