Ultra-Processed Foods May Influence Pediatric Acne Through mTORC1 Signaling: Study
Key Takeaways
- A recent review examined how ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may contribute to pediatric acne through insulin/IGF-1 signaling, mTORC1 activation, and inflammatory pathways.
- Proposed mechanisms included increased sebogenesis, altered skin and gut microbiota, and inflammatory signaling associated with components of Western dietary patterns.
- Pediatric-specific clinical evidence remains limited; the authors called for higher-quality studies.
Ultra-processed foods may contribute to pediatric acne through metabolic, inflammatory, and microbiome-related pathways, according to a comprehensive review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Researchers examined current evidence connecting ultra-processed foods (UPFs), Western dietary patterns, and acne vulgaris in children and adolescents. The authors focused particularly on insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling and activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1).
Data: Ultra-Processed Foods Could Affect Pediatric Acne
UPFs commonly contain refined carbohydrates, sugars, saturated fats, dairy proteins, and food additives. According to the review, dietary patterns incorporating these components may increase insulin and IGF-1 signaling, which can activate mTORC1 and downstream pathways involved in sebaceous lipid production, keratinocyte proliferation, and cutaneous inflammation.
The authors also examined potential microbiome effects. UPF-associated dietary patterns may contribute to gut dysbiosis and impaired intestinal barrier function, while metabolic changes may alter sebum composition and the skin environment. These mechanisms could potentially influence Cutibacterium acnes strain distribution and inflammatory activity, the authors noted.
Clinical evidence remains limited, the researchers noted. Although studies of low-glycemic dietary interventions have reported improvements in acne severity and metabolic markers, much of the available research involves adults rather than children and adolescents. Studies also have generally evaluated specific dietary patterns rather than UPF consumption itself.
“While studies have demonstrated clinical significance in acne severity with dietary interventions, future high-quality studies are required,” the authors wrote.
Source
Magharehabed Y, et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2026; 27(16):7123. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27167123