Differences in dietary glycemic load among young adults with and without acne

Abstract

Acne is a common skin disease affecting individuals of all ages. Although acne pathogenesis is multifactorial, acne development may be associated with dietary factors, such as glycemic index and glycemic load. This study investigated differences in diet among healthy young adults with and without acne. Thirty‐two participants (22 ± 4 years) with moderate to severe acne (n=8 males, n=24 females) and 32 participants with no acne (n=6 males, n=26 females) completed a 5‐day food record and health history questionnaire. Self‐reported diet was analyzed using Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR). A dermatologist assessed acne using digital photographs. There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index (BMI), energy intake, and dietary glycemic index between groups. Participants with acne reported lesser intake of available carbohydrate (total carbohydrate – dietary fiber) (157 ± 50 g/d) and greater intake of dietary glycemic load [131±51 (GI × CHO g/d)] compared to participants with no acne [available carbohydrate = 236 ± 74 g/d and dietary glycemic load=99±34 (GI × CHO g/d)] (p=<0.001 and p=0.006). These results suggest an association between dietary glycemic load and acne. Future research is necessary to further characterize the impact of dietary glycemic load on acne.Support or Funding InformationNew York University Steinhardt Doctoral Grant Award