Does a Low-Glycemic Diet (lower simple sugars, higher protein) Improve Acne?
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The question of whether diet affects acne, for better or worse, has been asked for generations. Many patients (and parents) want to know if a certain diet or food makes acne better or worse. Some patients report a 'break-out' of pimples after a particularly poor dietary choice. However, there has been no conclusive evidence to date that any one food (chocolate or soda for example) plays a significant role in exacerbating acne.
Now there is a recent report from Australia that looked at the effect of an experimental low glycemic load diet in 50 young men with mild to moderate acne. The subject men were taught to substitute high protein and low glycemic foods (whole grains, pasta and fruit) for the carbohydrate-dense staples typical of the normal diet of the control group.
Over the 12-week study period, the authors report a significantly greater decrease in acne lesions in the group who maintained a low-glycemic diet. Interestingly, these young men also lost weight.
The authors conclude that 'nutrition-related lifestyle factors may play a role in acne pathogenesis. However, these are preliminary findings should be confirmed by similar studies'.
Comments: While this study is intriguing, it does not prove that all acne is related to diet or can be managed by dietary measures. However, a healthy diet is a worthwhile goal and may improve overall skin quality. Please discuss any dietary changes with your health care provider.
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Reference: The effect of a high protein, low glycemic diet versus a conventional, high glycemic-load diet on biochemical parameters associated with acne vulgaris: A randomized, investigator-masked, controlled trial.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2007; 57: 247-56.
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