Effect of the Glycemic Index of Carbohydrates on Acne vulgaris

Abstract

Acne vulgaris may be improved by dietary factors that increase insulin sensitivity. We hypothesized that a low-glycemic index diet would improve facial acne severity and insulin sensitivity. Fifty-eight adolescent males (mean age ± standard deviation 16.5 ± 1.0 y and body mass index 23.1 ± 3.5 kg/m2) were alternately allocated to high or low glycemic index diets. Severity of inflammatory lesions on the face, insulin sensitivity (homeostasis modeling assessment of insulin resistance), androgens and insulin-like growth factor-1 and its binding proteins were assessed at baseline and at eight weeks, a period corresponding to the school term. Forty-three subjects (n = 23 low glycemic index and n = 20 high glycemic index) completed the study. Diets differed significantly in glycemic index (mean ± standard error of the mean, low glycemic index 51 ± 1 vs. high glycemic index 61 ± 2, p = 0.0002), but not in macronutrient distribution or fiber content. Facial acne improved on both diets (low glycemic index −26 ± 6%, p = 0.0004 and high glycemic index −16 ± 7%, p = 0.01), but differences between diets did not reach significance. Change in insulin sensitivity was not different between diets (low glycemic index 0.2 ± 0.1 and high glycemic index 0.1 ± 0.1, p = 0.60) and did not correlate with change in acne severity (Pearson correlation r = −0.196, p = 0.244). Longer time frames, greater reductions in glycemic load or/and weight loss may be necessary to detect improvements in acne among adolescent boys.

Relationship between Diet, Cosmetics and Degree of Acne Vulgaris in Dermatovenereology Outpatients at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya

“…Thus, promote inflammatory responses in the body. 10 This study is in line with a study by Çerman et al 13 which shows no significant difference between milk and acne vulgaris subgroups (mild acne, moderate acne and severe acne) (p=0.596, p>0.05). Besides, the study also shows no significant association between dairy product consumption among acne vulgaris and control groups (p=0.911, p>0.05).…”

Relationship between dietary carbohydrates intake and circulating sex hormone‐binding globulin levels in postmenopausal women

“…Our finding of an inverse relationship between dietary GL based on total and available carbohydrates and serum SHBG concentrations was consistent with results from a previous dietary intervention trial where SHBG was considerably lowered after a 12-week high-GL diet compared with the baseline, and significantly decreased compared with those on a low-GL diet, 15 although another study contrasting low-GI and high-GI diets did not find significant differences in SHBG after an 8-week intervention. 33 This somewhat contradicted the fact that in the present analysis dietary GI based on total or available carbohydrates was significantly associated with SHBG concentrations, although only before correction for multiple comparisons. Mechanistically, it has been suggested that a high-GL or -GI diet induces greater insulin production, and insulin could act as an inhibitor of hepatic synthesis of SHBG.…”

The influence of exposome on acne

“…In the past, nutrition was not a proven cause of acne. However, recent publications show a link between some dietary factors and acne . Nowadays, main food classes considered triggering acne are dairy products (especially skim milk) and hyperglycaemic carbohydrates …”

“…However, recent publications show a link between some dietary factors and acne. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] Nowadays, main food classes considered triggering acne are dairy products (especially skim milk) and hyperglycaemic carbohydrates. 10,[29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37] An average regimen of dairy products has been reported impacting on acne, and one paper indicated that cow milk impacts on acne after already two glasses per day.…”