Food Intolerances and Acne

The Link Between Food Intolerances and Acne

Introduction

Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While factors like genetics, hormones, and skin care habits play a significant role in acne development, recent research suggests that food intolerances may also contribute to this problem. In this blog post, we'll explore the potential connection between food intolerances and acne.

What are Food Intolerances?

Food intolerances occur when an individual's digestive system cannot properly process certain foods or food components. These intolerances may stem from various sources, including:

• Seeds (legumes like peanuts and soy, tree nuts)

• Grains (wheat, barley, rye - all containing gluten protein)

• Shellfish (tropomyosin protein)

• Dairy (casein and whey proteins, lactose sugar, IGF-1, histamines, mold)

• Eggs (particularly egg whites)

• Nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers)

• Fructans (wheat, onion, garlic)

• Salicylates

• Food additives (preservatives, sweeteners, etc.)

• Foods high in anti-nutrients

Research on Food Intolerances and Acne

Several studies have investigated the potential link between food intolerances and acne:

1. A 2022 study published in "Voprosy pitaniia" found a high frequency of sensitization to food allergens in acne patients, with significant allergens including chicken egg, chicken meat, barley, oat groats, cow's milk protein, and beef. An elimination diet led to a regression of skin inflammatory manifestations in 71.9% of cases [Barilo & Smirnova, 2022].

2. A 2014 double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that chocolate consumption exacerbated acne [Caperton et al., 2014].

3. While a recent study found no significant difference in acne with whey protein supplementation [Sompochpruetikul et al., 2024], other studies have shown that high whey consumption can result in higher serum IGF-1 levels [Hoppe et al., 2009; Hoppe et al., 2004].

4. A 2020 article in "Cutis" noted that high glycemic index foods are associated with acne vulgaris and that children with atopic dermatitis (AD) are at higher risk for food allergies, with a subset experiencing flares related to non-IgE-mediated food allergies [Greenberg, 2020].

Conclusion

While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between food intolerances and acne, the available evidence suggests that certain food allergies and intolerances may contribute to acne development in some individuals. If you suspect that your acne may be related to a food intolerance, consider keeping a food diary and consulting with a dermatologist or allergist to identify potential triggers and develop an appropriate treatment plan.