Emerging Risks of Fad Diets and Supplements on Skin Health

A recent review published in the journal *Cureus* highlights alarming dermatological consequences stemming from fad diets and unregulated supplements heavily promoted on social media platforms. The study, titled "When Diet Trends Go Viral: Cutaneous Manifestations of Social Media-Driven Fad Diets and Supplements," meticulously examines how popular diets, such as the ketogenic diet and various extreme plant-based diets, can lead to significant skin, hair, and nail issues, often surfacing before other health symptoms become apparent.

The advent of social media has transformed dietary information dissemination, enabling influencers and marketers to reach vast audiences. While this can enhance health literacy, it also poses risks of widespread misinformation. For instance, a recent analysis indicated that only 36% of nutrition-related posts on TikTok were entirely accurate, with an alarming 55% lacking any evidence-based information (Parga & Coven, 2025). The study underscores that the skin frequently serves as an early indicator of toxicity or nutritional deficiencies, manifesting changes such as acute rashes, chronic dermatitis, and pigmentary alterations linked to restrictive diets and supplement overuse.

Clinicians are urged to recognize these dermatological manifestations and enhance patient education about the risks associated with popular diets and supplements. Dr. Adam Parga, a dermatologist and lead author of the study, emphasizes that "the relationship between diet and skin health is complex and warrants careful consideration, particularly as misinformation proliferates online" (Parga & Coven, 2025).

The review outlines specific dietary trends associated with skin issues. The ketogenic diet, characterized by high fat and low carbohydrate intake, is particularly notorious for keto rash, a condition presenting as itchy, red patches on the skin. This rash can develop within weeks of starting the diet and often goes unrecognized by clinicians, leading to misdiagnosis.

Similarly, extreme vegan diets, when poorly planned, can lead to deficiencies in crucial nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12, resulting in skin problems like glossitis and hyperpigmentation. Raw vegan diets, often championed for their detoxifying properties, may severely lack essential fatty acids and proteins, leading to further complications such as brittle nails and xerosis (dry skin).

In addition to dietary choices, the study highlights risks associated with dietary supplements. Overconsumption of certain nutrients, such as niacin and selenium, can result in adverse skin reactions, including rashes and hair loss. The paper notes that excessive intake of whey protein, popular in fitness circles, has been linked to an increase in acne due to its effects on insulin and hormone levels.

The implications of these findings are significant, as they underscore the necessity for healthcare professionals to engage in conversations about nutrition and its impact on skin health with their patients. The review calls for a multidisciplinary approach to health education, integrating clinical practice with the current digital landscape to promote safe dietary practices.

In conclusion, as fad diets and supplements continue to dominate public interest, the need for critical evaluation and evidence-based guidance has never been more pressing. With social media driving rapid changes in dietary behavior, it is essential for individuals to be informed consumers, equipped with the knowledge to discern fact from fiction. Future research should aim to establish comprehensive epidemiological data linking social media-driven dietary trends to dermatological outcomes, thereby fostering a more informed discourse around health and nutrition.

**References:** Parga, A. D., & Coven, H. (2025). When Diet Trends Go Viral: Cutaneous Manifestations of Social Media-Driven Fad Diets and Supplements. *Cureus*, 17(6), e86334. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.86334.