The Role of Nutrient Deficiencies in Acne: A Comprehensive Review

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a crucial nutrient for skin health, and its deficiency has been linked to acne. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that oral vitamin A supplementation may be a possible substitute for isotretinoin in the management of acne [1].

Vitamin D

Several studies have investigated the relationship between vitamin D levels and acne. A case-control study combined with a randomized controlled trial found that patients with acne had significantly lower levels of vitamin D compared to those without acne [2]. Another study found that active vitamin D administration improved the clinical outcomes of acne vulgaris [3]. Additionally, a meta-analysis and systematic review found that serum and supplemental vitamin D levels were associated with insulin resistance in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus [4].

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, has been studied for its potential role in acne management. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that a novel pantothenic acid-based dietary supplement improved mild to moderate facial acne [5]. Another study demonstrated the feasibility, tolerability, safety, and efficacy of a pantothenic acid-based dietary supplement in subjects with mild to moderate facial acne blemishes [6]. Dr. Jeffrey Dach, MD, has also written about the use of pantothenic acid for acne treatment [7]. Furthermore, a paper published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine discussed how pantothenic acid may help in the treatment of both acne vulgaris and obesity [8].

Other Nutrients

Several other nutrients have been studied for their potential role in acne management, including:

• Vitamin B12

• Vitamin E [9]

• Omega-3 fatty acids [10, 11]

• Zinc [12, 13]

• Selenium [14, 9]

• Chromium [15]

• Magnesium [16]

A study by Shalita et al. also investigated the use of a prescription dietary supplement containing B vitamins and zinc in the management of inflammatory acne [17].

Conclusion

The evidence presented in this blog post suggests that nutrient deficiencies may play a significant role in the development and management of acne. While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between nutrients and acne, the studies discussed here provide a strong foundation for further investigation. If you are struggling with acne, it may be worth discussing nutrient supplementation with your healthcare provider as part of a comprehensive acne management plan.

References

1. Oral Vitamin A for Acne Management: A Possible Substitute for Isotretinoin

2. Comparison of Vitamin D Levels in Patients with and without Acne: A Case-Control Study Combined with a Randomized Controlled Trial

3. The impact of active vitamin D administration on the clinical outcomes of acne vulgaris

4. Lei, X., Zhou, Q., Wang, Y., Fu, S., Li, Z., & Chen, Q. (2023). Serum and supplemental vitamin D levels and insulin resistance in T2DM populations: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Scientific reports, 13(1), 12343. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-39469-9

5. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of a Novel Pantothenic Acid-Based Dietary Supplement in Subjects with Mild to Moderate Facial Acne

6. Feasibility, Tolerability, Safety and Efficacy of a Pantothenic Acid Based Dietary Supplement in Subjects with Mild to Moderate Facial Acne Blemishes

7. Pantothenic Acid, B5 for Acne by Jeffrey Dach MD

8. A Stone that Kills two Birds: How Pantothenic Acid Unveils the Mysteries of Acne Vulgaris and Obesity

9. Michaëlsson, G., & Edqvist, L. E. (1984). Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in acne vulgaris and the effect of selenium and vitamin E treatment. Acta dermato-venereologica, 64(1), 9–14.

10. Treatment of Resistant Acne Vulgaris in Adolescents Using Dietary Supplementation with Magnesium, Phosphate and Fatty Acids (Omega 6 and 7): Comparison with 13-Cis-Retinoic Acid

11. Effect of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid and gamma-linolenic acid on acne vulgaris: a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial

12. Chan, H., Chan, G., Santos, J., Dee, K., & Co, J. K. (2017). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the efficacy and safety of lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc as an oral therapy for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. International journal of dermatology, 56(6), 686–690. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.13607

13. Verma, K. C., Saini, A. S., & Dhamija, S. K. (1980). Oral zinc sulphate therapy in acne vulgaris: a double-blind trial. Acta dermato-venereologica, 60(4), 337–340. https://doi.org/10.2340/0001555560337340

14. Selenium Supplementation and the Effects on Reproductive Outcomes, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

15. The Effects of Chromium Supplementation on Endocrine Profiles, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

16. de Souza Pereira R. (2023). Treatment of Resistant Acne Vulgaris in Adolescents Using Dietary Supplementation with Magnesium, Phosphate and Fatty Acids (Omega 6 and 7): Comparison with 13-Cis-Retinoic Acid. Journal of dietary supplements, 20(5), 706–716. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2022.2100550

17. Shalita, A. R., Falcon, R., Olansky, A., Iannotta, P., Akhavan, A., Day, D., Janiga, A., Singri, P., & Kallal, J. E. (2012). Inflammatory acne management with a novel prescription dietary supplement. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 11(12), 1428–1433.