Does eating right help keep our skin from aging?
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Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women.
Nutritional factors play a key role in normal functioning of the skin, the body’s largest organ. However, little is known about the effects of diet on skin-aging appearance. Recent research indicates that higher intakes of vitamin C and linoleic acid and lower intakes of fats and carbohydrates are associated with better skin-aging appearance.
Using data from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I), scientists examined associations between nutrient intakes and skin aging in 4,025 women between the ages of 40 and 74 years. Clinical examinations of the skin were conducted by dermatologists. Skin-aging appearance was defined as having a wrinkled appearance, dryness associated with aging (senile dryness), and skin atrophy (shriveling or shrinking).
Higher vitamin C intakes were associated with a lower likelihood of a wrinkled appearance. Higher linoleic acid (an omega-6 essential fatty acid) intakes were associated with a lower likelihood of senile dryness and skin atrophy. A higher than average fat and carbohydrate intake also increased the likelihood of a wrinkled appearance and skin atrophy. These associations were independent of age, race, education, sunlight exposure, income, menopausal status, body mass index, supplement use, physical activity, and energy intake.
Elevated intakes of vitamin C and linoleic acid and reduced intakes of fats and carbohydrates are associated with better skin-aging appearance. Promoting healthy dietary behaviors may have added benefit for the appearance of skin in addition to other beneficial health outcomes in the population.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Vol. 86, No. 4, 1225-1231, October 2007
Source: USANA Health Sciences
March 29th, 2008 at 7:46 am
There is not much proof that diet affects the skin.. because everyone’s skin is genetically different. But for me, I used to have so many breakouts, and pimples all over my face, but once I started taking multivitamins, they all disappeared - not one left!
April 10th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I just read a great article about skin and how the foods we eat affect our skin. They sited the old adage “You are what you eat”. You can read the article at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071109201438.htm
It is interesting to see the correlation between our healthy eating habits, keeping our bodies physically healthy, and how that makes our skin look. The article did say they found a link between eating low glycemic foods and a lower acne breakout. Some one should tell teenagers!