Summary
Background
Dietary factors have long been implicated in acne pathogenesis. It has recently been
hypothesized that low glycemic load diets may influence sebum production based on
the beneficial endocrine effects of these diets.
Objective
To determine the effect of a low glycemic load diet on acne and the fatty acid composition
of skin surface triglycerides.
Methods
Thirty-one male acne patients (aged 15–25 years) completed sebum sampling tests as
part of a larger 12-week, parallel design dietary intervention trial. The experimental
treatment was a low glycemic load diet, comprised 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
were assessed during monthly visits. At baseline and 12-weeks, the follicular sebum
outflow and composition of skin surface triglycerides were assessed using lipid absorbent
tapes.
Results
At 12 weeks, subjects on the experimental diet demonstrated increases in the ratio
of saturated to monounsaturated fatty acids of skin surface triglycerides when compared
to controls [5.3 ± 2.0% (mean ± S.E.M.) vs. −2.7 ± 1.7%, P = 0.007]. The increase in the saturated/monounsaturated ratio correlated with acne lesion
counts(r = −0.39, P = 0.03). Increased follicular sebum outflow was also associated with an increase in
the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids in sebum (r = 0.49, P = 0.006).
Conclusion
This suggests a possible role of desaturase enzymes in sebaceous lipogenesis and the
clinical manifestation of acne. However, further work is needed to clarify the underlying
role of diet in sebum gland physiology.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 12, 2010
Accepted:
November 7,
2007
Received in revised form:
September 17,
2007
Received:
May 7,
2007
Footnotes
☆This study was funded by a research grant from Meat and Livestock Australia. The corresponding author receives a postgraduate scholarship from MINTRAC (National Meat Industry Training Council of Australia). The remaining authors have no potential conflict of interest. This study was the responsibility of the investigators. MLA had no role in data collection, data analysis, data interpretation or submission of this paper for publication.
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
