The longstanding debate on whether whey protein consumption exacerbates acne vulgaris (AV) has taken a significant step forward with the results of a recent six-month trial. The trial's findings suggest that, over a 6-month period, men with acne who incorporated whey protein supplementation did not show a significant difference in the changes in total acne lesions and severity of facial and truncal acne compared to the non-whey protein group. This study, designed as a noninferiority trial, aimed to investigate the potential association between whey protein intake and acne severity in men with mild to moderate facial and/or truncal acne, addressing a topic that has been surrounded by speculation and conflicting opinions.

The study results were published in The Journal of Dermatology.
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The primary objective of the trial was to provide clarity on the connection between whey protein and acne severity. Men with mild to moderate facial and/or truncal acne were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, consuming 30g of whey protein daily along with a non-whey protein nutritional supplement, or the control group, which took a non-whey protein nutritional supplement of 46g.
Key Findings:
A total of 49 participants, with a mean age of 19.7 years in the whey protein group and 20.3 years in the non-whey protein group, were included in the study.
The trial's findings revealed no statistically significant differences in facial and truncal total acne lesions between the whey protein and non-whey protein groups.
The mean differences were -5.99 (p = 0.09) and -2.18 (p = 0.65), respectively.
Furthermore, only one participant (4.3%) in the non-whey protein group reported an increase in acne severity on the Investigator Global Assessment scale.
The results of the trial suggest that over the six-month period, men with acne who incorporated whey protein supplementation did not experience a significant difference in acne lesions or severity compared to those in the non-whey protein group. This noninferiority difference provides valuable insights into the ongoing debate surrounding the potential impact of whey protein on acne. Acne, a common dermatological concern, often leads to speculation about its relationship with dietary choices.
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The study's findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of the factors influencing acne severity. As discussions on the relationship between diet and dermatological conditions persist, evidence-based studies play a crucial role in dispelling myths and offering practical insights. The results of this trial underscore the importance of informed decision-making regarding nutritional choices, providing reassurance to those who include whey protein in their dietary regimen.
Further reading: Whey protein and male acne: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial. https://doi.org/10.1111/1346-8138.17109.