Does the plasma level of vitamins A and E affect acne condition?

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2006 May;31(3):430-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2006.02106.x.

Abstract

Background: Vitamin A and E are lipid soluble antioxidants that are necessary for our health. Deficiency in these vitamins can cause serious diseases. Administration of vitamin A and E to patients with acne was shown to improve their acne condition.

Aims: To test the relationship between plasma vitamin A and E levels and acne.

Methods: Plasma vitamin A and E concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography in 100 newly diagnosed untreated patients with acne and were compared with those of 100 age-matched healthy controls. Patients were carefully graded using the Global Acne Grading System.

Results: We found that plasma vitamin A concentrations in patients with acne were significantly lower than those of the control group (336.5 vs. 418.1 mug/L, respectively) P = 0.007. We also found that plasma vitamin E concentrations in patients with acne were significantly lower than those of controls (5.4 vs. 5.9 mg/L) P = 0.05. In addition, we found that there is a strong relationship between decrease in plasma vitamin A levels and increase in the severity of acne condition. Patients with severe acne had significantly lower plasma concentrations of vitamins A and E than did those with lower acne grade and the age-matched healthy controls.

Discussion: Based on our results, we conclude that low vitamin A and E plasma levels have an important role in the pathogenesis of acne and in the aggravation of this condition.

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / blood*
  • Acne Vulgaris / pathology
  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Humans
  • Vitamin A / blood*
  • Vitamin E / blood*

Substances

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin E