The Influence of Dietary Components on Acne; A Case-Control Survey

Abstract

Abstract Background Acne vulgaris affects millions of adults. Despite extensive research, its etiology pertaining to food remains elusive. Objective To assess the correlation between dietary intake and acne through a case-control survey of 300 respondents aged 15–25 years living in Pakistan. Method 150 acne patients and 150 age- and ethnicity-matched controls were subjected to a questionnaire. Using SPSS-22, cases and controls were separated and univariate analysis was done using chi-square test. p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Adjusted odds ratio was used to assess the strength of association with 95% confidence interval. Results Most of the respondents were females (91.3%). Most(48.7%) acne patients were aged 20–25 years .Acne severity was mild in 50%, moderate in 34%, severe in 14% and very severe in 2%.Frequent low-fat foods (p < 0.001)(OR = 3.22),fat intake(p = 0.03)(OR = 1.629),sweet snacks i.e. biscuits and candies etc. (p = 0.013) (OR = 1.9254), soft drinks(p = 0.045)(OR = 1.9091),butter(p < 0.001) (OR = 1.8185),dairy products(p = 0.043)(OR = 0.624),salty foods(p = 0.011)(OR = 1.961),chocolate (p = 0.028)(OR = 1.669), were associated with increased acne risk. No association was found in terms of fried foods, desserts, fruit juices, raw fruit intake, fast foods, vegetables, cheese, soy product, salt intake and corn. Increased butter and chocolate consumption were linked to more severe forms of acne (p = 0.049 and p = 0.005 respectively). Most respondents (n = 218) thought they had healthy eating habits showing that they were not educated on dietary aspect of acne treatment. Conclusions Participants without acne had healthier eating habits. Dietary awareness is critical for convincing adolescents to reduce acne. Further studies must be conducted to develop a causative relationship between different dietary components and acne.