Relationship between consumption of different food groups, diet quality index, and anthropometric indices with acne in adolescents

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent skin disorder that affects millions of teens and young adults worldwide, but its link to dietary intake is still unclear and requires more research. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between diet and acne among 150 adolescents aged 12-18 in Tehran province. The participants reported their dietary intake using a 24-hour recall method. Their anthropometric data were measured using standard methods. Their acne severity was assessed using the Global Acne Scoring System (GAGS). Their diet quality was evaluated using the International Diet Quality Index (DQI-I) based on Kim et al. 2003. The mean GAGS scores for the whole sample and for girls and boys were 9.24±8.9, 8.79±8.9, and 9.7±7.13, respectively. The prevalence of acne was 71.5% for the whole sample, 93.3% for boys, and 69.1% for girls. The mean DQI-I score for the whole sample was 48.54. The regression analysis showed no association between acne severity and DQI-I score, food groups, or micro and macronutrients. This study found no evidence of a connection between diet quality and acne among adolescents. Further prospective studies are needed to verify or refute this finding.