Publication:

Investigation of the effect of diet on acne: a case-control study

Background This study aimed to explore the association between acne vulgaris and dietary habits among young individuals.

Methods A case-control study was conducted involving 100 individuals with acne and 100 without. Detailed dietary intake, demographic data, body mass index, and family history of acne were collected using questionnaires. The severity of acne was evaluated by physicians.

Results The body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in the acne group (21.97±3.74) than in the control group (23.67±3.96) (p=0.001). Family history of acne was more common in patients with acne (p=0.034). The consumption of bakery products, French fries, nuts, and pumpkin seeds once a week, once a week, once a day, and once a week, respectively, in the control group was significantly higher than that in the acne group (p<0.05). French fries consumption 3-4 times a week was higher in patients with acne (p<0.05).

Conclusions Low BMI and a positive family history of acne were identified as risk factors for acne. While excessive consumption of French fries is frequently observed in patients with acne, normal consumption of nuts and pumpkin seeds may be beneficial for acne, and warrants investigation in large-scale studies.