Projects

Objective:
The link between diet and acne has long been considered a myth, but researchers have proved otherwise.

The groundbreaking study, the first of its kind to look at the effect of diet on acne symptoms found a Higher Protein-Low GI eating plan significantly reduced acne by more than 50 percent in 12 weeks. The Diet is based on the simple principles of the hunter-gatherer diet which contain more natural Higher Protein-Low GI foods such as red meat, seafood, fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrains. Interestingly acne is rare in hunter-gatherer societies.

Collaboration:
MLA together with The Australian Women's Weekly, funded the research which was carried out by researchers from RMIT University and the Department of Dermatology at the Royal Children’s and Royal Melbourne hospitals.

Results:
The study, the first of its kind to look into the effects of a total dietary approach to treating acne, involved two groups of teenage boys. One group consumed a typical western diet containing highly processed foods and refined grain products. The other consumed a more natural, higher protein-low GI diet consisting of food such as lean red meat, seafood, fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrains. Both groups also used a low level topical acne treatment and those on medication for acne were excluded from the study.

According to research leader Associate Professor Neil Mann  the group who consumed the higher protein-low GI diet for the 12 weeks produced significantly greater improvements in facial acne when compared with the group who were allocated a diet containing moderate-high GI foods.

The higher protein-low GI diet was found to help control the hormonal imbalances associated with acne. A significant difference in insulin levels was noticed between the groups, with the higher protein-low GI diet showing a trend for improved insulin sensitivity. It is believed that acne may be affected by hormonal changes that are closely related to changes in insulin levels. A decrease in testosterone bioactivity was also observed in the higher protein-low GI group, this hormone is often linked to acne.

Measures of Success:
A booklet entitled The Teenage Anti-Acne Diet was published by The Australian Women's Weekly and distributed with the magazine.

The information is also available via the website www.foodfacts.com.au

The full booklet can be downloaded here