Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether nutrient intakes and serum biochemical indices are associated with the skin condition of humans. Anthropometric data, skin surface hydration, ceramide content, dietary intake of nutrients and serum lipids (total cholesterol, HDL-, LDL-cholesterol, TG, MDA: malondialdehyde, TAS: total antioxidant status) were obtained from 36 healthy young women. Subjects were classified into 2 groups {LM: Low Moisture Group (n = 20), HM: High Moisture Group (n = 16)} by forehead skin hydration. The results of this study were as follows: The average age, BMI, total body water, LBM, body fat%, WHR, forehead hydration, ceramide content were 20.2 yrs, 20.7, 28.8 l, 39.2 kg, 28.0%, 0.8, 44.3%, and 1.05 microgram/microgram protein, repectively. The intakes of SFA (saturated fatty acid), MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acid) in the HM group were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the LM group, but zinc intakes in the LM group were higher than in the HM group. Serum levels of TAS in the LM group (1.27 mmol/l) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of in the HM group (1.20 mmol/l). Whereas other lipid levels were not significantly different, intakes of vitamin B6 and folate showed significant positive correlation with the forehead hydration (r = 0.447, r = 0.377). Intakes of calcium and phosphorus showed significant negative correlation with forearm ceramide content (r = -0.496, r = -0.485). Several associations between nutrient intakes and skin conditions were observed, indicating that changes in baseline nutritional status may affect skin health.

• Keywords: skin hydration; dietary intake; serum lipids; TAS (total antioxidant status); ceramide