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Observational Study
. 2013 Nov-Dec;88(6):907-12.
doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132024.

Incidence of acne vulgaris in young adult users of protein-calorie supplements in the city of João Pessoa--PB

Thaís de Carvalho Pontes  1 , Gilson Mauro Costa Fernandes Filho  1 , Arthur de Sousa Pereira Trindade  1 , Jader Freire Sobral Filho  2
Affiliations
Observational Study

Incidence of acne vulgaris in young adult users of protein-calorie supplements in the city of João Pessoa--PB

Thaís de Carvalho Pontes et al. An Bras Dermatol. 2013 Nov-Dec.

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Background: Based on personal observations of dermatologists, nutritionists and patients, a new problem emerges in the gyms: development and exacerbation of acne in users of whey protein, which is a protein derived from cow's milk. Whey Protein extract contains growth factors that may be related to acne. Its purity and composition are not fully known and there is no scientific research on its potential to cause acne.

Objectives: Assess the relationship between the use of protein calorie supplements and onset or exacerbation of acne vulgaris in young adults in the city of João Pessoa.

Methods: Descriptive observational study conducted in gyms and in a dermatology clinic. Each participant was examined for acne on three occasions and followed for 60 days.

Results: 30 patients were examined. Onset or exacerbation of acneiform lesions were observed (p <0.0005). The effect was more prominent in females and in individuals without current acne and no family history of acne.

Conclusion: This study showed the onset of acne with the progressive use of protein-calorie supplementation, in a two-month period. It is suggested that this type of supplementation be discouraged.

FUNDAMENTOS: Na observação pessoal de dermatologistas, nutricionistas e dos próprios pacientes, um novo problema emerge nas academias de ginástica: desenvolvimento e exacerbação da acne em usuários de Whey Protein, proteínas derivadas do leite de vaca. Extratos de Whey Protein contêm fatores de crescimento que podem estar relacionados com a acne. Sua pureza e composição não são completamente conhecidas e não há investigações científicas sobre seu potencial causador de acne.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação entre o uso de suplementos protéico-calóricos e o aparecimento ou agravamento da acne vulgar em adultos jovens em João Pessoa - PB.

MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional descritivo conduzido em academias de ginástica e em consultório de dermatologia. Cada participante foi examinado para acne em três ocasiões e acompanhado por 60 dias.

RESULTADOS: Foram examinados 30 pacientes. Aparecimento ou exacerbação de lesões acneiformes foram observados (p<0,0005), sendo o efeito mais proeminente no sexo feminino e em indivíduos sem acne atual e sem história familiar de acne.

CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo demonstrou o aparecimento de lesões acneiformes com o uso progressivo de suplementos proteico calóricos, ao longo de dois meses. Sugere-se que o uso deste tipo de suplemento seja desestimulado.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interests: none.

Figures

GRAPH 1
GRAPH 1
Total number of acne lesions per person in the months after beginning protein-calorie supplement use in an adult population of the city of João Pessoa, in 2011
GRAPH 2
GRAPH 2
Total number of acne lesions per person by sex in the months after beginning protein-calorie supplement use in an adult population of the city of João Pessoa, in 2011
GRAPH 3
GRAPH 3
Total number of acne lesions per person by family history of acne in the months after beginning protein-calorie supplement use in an adult population of the city of João Pessoa, in 2011
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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