News:
Relationship between diet and acne
Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease amongst teenagers, but it is also prevalent among adults. The pathogenesis includes androgen sensitive receptors, insulin and insulin-like growth factors. The relationship between acne and diet has been discussed for many years and studies have demonstrated that diet does not influence acne activity. A new revision of these older studies has nevertheless refuted this belief.
According to studies based on questionnaires, 30 % of patients suffering from acne feel that a high- glycemic diet causes acne, and 40% believe that it can make acne symptoms worse. This is supported by the fact that the prevalence of acne is low among indigenous peoples with a low glycemic diet. This theory is based on the fact that a low-glycemic diet reduces insulin and androgen levels. On the contrary, hyperglycemia is associated with hyperinsulin, elevated androgen levels and insulin-like growth factor levels, with stimulation of folllicular hyperkeratosis and elevated acne activity as a consequence. Similar endocrine problems are seen in relation to polycystic ovary syndrome which is symptomatic for extensive acne activity.
The relationship between milk and acne is a controversial issue. New studies show a direct correlation between the intake of low-fat milk and increased acne activity. Furthermore, there is a focus on acne stimulating endogenous hormones in cow-milk
The consensus amongst experts dealing with diet and acne is currently under discussion, but contrary to the past, there is now theoretical substance for the theory that high glycemic food and dairy products do play a part and thus patients claims of the relationship between diet and acne activity may be supported.
Source:
Jonette E Keri; Rajiv I Nijhawan
Expert Rev Dermatol. 2008;3(4):437-440.
|
Uutistiedote
