A low-glycemic-load diet improves symptoms in acne vulgaris patients: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Although the pathogenesis of acne is currently unknown, recent epidemiologic studies of non-Westernized populations suggest that dietary factors, including the glycemic load, may be involved. Objective: The objective was to determine whether a low-glycemicload diet improves acne lesion counts in young males. Design: Forty-three male acne patients aged 15-25 y were recruited for a 12-wk, parallel design, dietary intervention incorporating investigator-blinded dermatology assessments. The experimental treatment was a low-glycemic-load diet composed of 25% energy from protein and 45% from low-glycemic-index carbohydrates. In contrast, the control situation emphasized carbohydrate-dense foods without reference to the glycemic index. Acne lesion counts and severity were assessed during monthly visits, and insulin sensitivity (using the homeostasis model assessment) was measured at baseline and 12 wk. Results: At 12 wk, mean (ȀSEM) total lesion counts had decreased more (P ҃ 0.03) in the low-glycemic-load group (Ҁ23.5 Ȁ 3.9) than in the control group (Ҁ12.0 Ȁ 3.5). The experimental diet also resulted in a greater reduction in weight (Ҁ2.9 Ȁ 0.8 compared with 0.5 Ȁ 0.3 kg; P 0.001) and body mass index (in kg/m 2 ; Ҁ0.92 Ȁ 0.25 compared with 0.01 Ȁ 0.11; P ҃ 0.001) and a greater improvement in insulin sensitivity (Ҁ0.22 Ȁ 0.12 compared with 0.47 Ȁ 0.31; P ҃ 0.026) than did the control diet. Conclusion: The improvement in acne and insulin sensitivity after a low-glycemic-load diet suggests that nutrition-related lifestyle factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of acne. However, further studies are needed to isolate the independent effects of weight loss and dietary intervention and to further elucidate the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms.Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86: 107-15.

The relationship of diet and acne

“…It has been reported that people living in the Kitavan Islands (off the coast of Papua New Guinea) and the Aché hunter-gathers of Paraguay do not suffer from acne and this is associated with their lowglycemic diet, consisting mainly of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. 45 This conclusion is in agreement with recent studies 5,6 on low-glycemic diets that will be discussed at a later paragraph. In brief, one prospective cohort study 53 found an association between high-glycemic-index foods and longer acne duration, whereas two randomized controlled trials 5,6 associated low-glycemic-index diet with reduced acne risk.…”

“…5,6 More research is needed to determine whether a low-glycemic diet could effectively mediate acne or possibly even prevent it.…”

“…4 On the other hand, recent studies have suggested a rather close relationship between diet and acne. 5,6 But let's start from the very beginning and precisely from the founder of modern medicine, Hippocrates. One pillar of his teachings was "Let food be your medicine and let medicine be your food."…”

Acne: prevalence, perceptions and beliefs among pupils and students in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

“…Ces aliments accroissent la production d'insuline qui contribuait à la formation d'hormones androgéniques favorisant la production de sébum donc l'apparition de l'acné. Pourtant, Smith [19] a rapporté que la consommation hebdomadaire de gâteaux, de bonbons et de chocolat n'a pas été associée à un risque plus élevé de l'acné. Le rôle de l'alimentation dans l'acné reste donc d'actualité et controversé et des recherches plus poussées sur le sujet doivent se poursuivre.…”

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards acne vulgaris among acne patients

“…1 Recent studies have also implicated the role of diet in the pathogenesis of acne. 2 Although a common disease, it is a known cause of distress and depression if left untreated. 3 There are many myths and misconceptions in patients as well as health physicians regarding the causes and treatment of acne.…”