Effect of a Low-Glycemic-Load Diet and Dietary Counseling on Acne Vulgaris Severity Among Female Patients Aged 15 to 35 Years.

BACKGROUND

Acne is significantly influenced by glycemic load (GL), which is the result of the quantity of carbohydrates consumed and how quickly they are metabolized. There is an association between high-GL foods and severe acne. Such diets increase insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, which then stimulate sebum production and androgen hormone release, which ultimately results in the development of acne. Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of acne in South Asia, but there is a lack of study on acne and its determinants among females in Pakistan.

AIM

This study aims to assess the effect of low-glycemic index foods and dietary counseling in potentially improving the quality of life of female acne patients and reducing post-acne lesions and the severity of the disease.

METHODS

The sample size consisted of 50 females aged 15-35 years. The study aimed to see how a low-GL diet could affect the severity of acne. The trial included 50 participants, split into two groups: 25 in the control group and 25 in the treatment group. The trial went on for 12 weeks and used a food questionnaire to gather data each month. Participants were given scores based on how much high-GL food they ate. The score range between 0 and 35 showed a low intake of high-GL foods, and a score range between 35 and 55 was considered to be the average intake of high-GL foods. A score range between 55 and 75 showed a very high intake of high-GL foods. Higher scores indicated higher GL food consumption.

RESULTS

In the control group, after one month, 18 participants (70%) had GL scores above 55, which correlated with higher acne severity. In contrast, only three participants (12%) had low-GL scores (0-35). The treatment group showed significant improvement; initially, 15 participants (60%) had high-GL scores, but this number decreased to nine participants (40%) by the end of the study. After three months, 10 participants (45%) in the treatment group achieved low-GL scores (0-35), compared to only two participants (10%) in the control group. This improvement was accompanied by a decrease in average acne severity from 2.68 to 1.56 and an increase in water intake and promoted better skin health among females.

CONCLUSION

Dietary counseling along with low-GL foods can improve acne severity and lesions in adult females. This treatment also enhanced self-confidence and social acceptance.