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Acne project- RMIT

Project title- The effect of a low carbohydrate, high protein meat-base diet on incidence and severity of acne vulgaris

This project was conducted at RMIT University. 

Young men aged 15-25 were split into two groups and perscribed a diet for three months

• Western diet- with highly processed refined foods
• Higher protein,low GI diet- with natural foods: fresh fruits, vegetables, lean red meat, seafood and wholegrains (Anti-acne diet)

The results:

• acne reduced by more than 50%
• insulin levels decreased, which helped to control hormonal imbalances associated with acne
• positive effects on energy levels, self esteem, confidence and mood

This study has been published in various scientific journals:

• Smith RN, Mann NJ, Braue A, Mäkeläinen H, Varigos GA. 
  'A low glycemic load diet improves symptoms in acne vulgaris patients. A randomized controlled trial'
  The American Journal of Clinical  Nutrition. 2007 Jul; 86(1):107-15
  
  
• Smith RN, Mann NJ, Braue A, Mäkeläinen H, Varigos GA.
  'The effect of a high-protein, low glycemic-load diet versus a conventional, high glycemic-load diet on biochemical parameters associated with acne vulgaris: A randomized, investigator-masked, controlled trial'
  Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2007 Aug; 57(2):247-256

Additional information:

• In addition to these publications, MLA produced a resource for consumers and for use by health professionals in conjunction with The Women's Weekly:  The Anti-acne Diet booklet (PDF 1MB)
  
  
• The Feedback article, The answer is clear-lean red meat reduces acne (PDF 123KB) also provides information about our diet and acne research.

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