3 replies to this topic

[sonshoku]

Whey protein gives me acne. Is there any alternative protein powder that will not cause acne? How about pea protein?

[Darryl]

A common effect. The leucine and BCAAs in whey protein stimulates mTOR, which in turn stimulates insulin and IGF-1 signalling and anabolic growth, including acne. Any protein supplement with high leucine & BCAAs to induce anabolism or suppress appetite will likely have a similar effect. Pea protein has only slightly less of these than whey, though it lacks the micro RNA-21 that may play a role in dairy's anabolic effects.

 

If you must take a protein supplement for body building or appetite suppression, consider lowering the glycemic index of your diet or consuming more fatty fish/fish oil, which both appear to reduce acne.

 

Simonart, T. (2011). Acne and whey protein supplementation among bodybuilders. Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland), 225(3), 256-258.

Silverberg, N. B. (2012). Whey protein precipitating moderate to severe acne flares in 5 teenaged athletes. Cutis, 90(2), 70-72.

Melnik, B. C. (2012). Diet in acne: further evidence for the role of nutrient signalling in acne pathogenesis. Acta dermato-venereologica, 92(3), 228-231.

Melnik, B. C., & Zouboulis, C. C. (2013). Potential role of FoxO1 and mTORC1 in the pathogenesis of Western diet‐induced acne. Experimental dermatology,22(5), 311-315.

Melnik, B. C., John, S. M., & Schmitz, G. (2013). Milk is not just food but most likely a genetic transfection system activating mTORC1 signaling for postnatal growth. Nutr J, 12, 103.

Edited by Darryl, 17 May 2015 - 06:13 PM.

[sonshoku]

How about Egg white protein powder?

[wricks]

Have you considered soy protein?