Milk may contribute to Acne

Study suggests link between milk and acne

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in February 2005 sparked the controversy of diet and acne once again. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health investigated data from more than 47,000 women who completed questionnaires on high school diet in 1998 and physician-diagnosed severe teenage acne in 1989. Results showed that those who drank three or more cups of milk a day were 22 percent more likely to experience severe acne compared with those who drank less than one serving a week. Other milk products such as cottage cheese, cream cheese and instant breakfast were also associated with acne. The link between acne and milk was even stronger with skim milk intake. The author of the study wrote that the hormones and bioactive molecules in cow's milk are likely responsible for exacerbating acne.

Editor's Note: Milk and Acne - still controversial

In a commentary published in the same journal, Dr William Danby from the Dartmouth Medical School suggested that various hormones released from cows, especially pregnant cows, are metabolized into substances which eventually produce oil-making cells among teenagers. He added that patients with severe acne should avoid dairy products.

Despite this information, the link between milk and acne is still controversial. If milk products are eliminated from your diet, you should take care to substitute other calcium-rich foods in particular. Consider regularly including tofu or other calcium-fortified drinks such as soy milk or orange juice in your diet. The recommended intake of calcium for teenagers is 1,300 milligrams a day and 1,000 mg for average adults. Speak to your doctor about calcium supplements if you are concerned