For a long time I’ve suspected that one of the causes of acne is
the consumption of milk. So I was glad to read that recent
scientific studies confirm my suspicions.
An article titled “Got Acne? Review Links Dairy to Skin Problems” in
the Spring 2009 issue of Good Medicine has this to say:
“People who want clearer skin may want to steer clear of milk and
sugar. A new scientific review coauthored by PCRM director of
research policy Hope Ferdowsian, M.D., M.P.H., and PCRM president
Neal Barnard, M.D., finds that eating a typical Western diet,
especially dairy products, may be associated with acne.
The paper, in April’s International Journal of Dermatology,
reviewed 21 observational studies and six clinical trials examining
the relationship between diet and acne vulgaris, a condition that
affects more than 17 million Americans.
Chocolate and oily or fatty foods are commonly believed to cause
the condition, but little evidence actually implicates them. Reviews
prior to 2007 concluded that the cause is primarily genetic. Studies
on twins, however, have found that environmental factors, such as
dietary habits, may indeed play a role.
The new review found that dairy products and high-glycemic foods,
such as sugar and white bread, were the only dietary factors clearly
linked to acne in scientific studies. No differences were found
between whole and skim milk, and some authors reported that the
hormones in milk, not the fat content, might be responsible.”
– From the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine:
Good Medicine, Spring 2009, Vol. XVIII, No. 2, page 10.
Also visit:
www.pcrm.org
