Dairy products play a large role in the Western diet because they are an excellent source of protein, calcium and vitamin B-12. In the last few years, however, some scientists have published research suggesting that dairy products may play a role in the development of certain diseases common in the West, including acne.
Milk, Insulin Growth Factor and Acne
According to a 2009 study published in the "Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft," adolescents naturally produce high levels of insulin-like growth factor-1, IGF-1, a substance that is structurally similar to insulin but whose specific function is to promote growth. These already high levels are further increased by milk consumption. IGF-1 promotes acne by stimulating the androgen-producing adrenal and reproductive glands, and it is hormones from these glands that promote the formation of sebum, the fatty substance that blocks pores and contributes to acne.
Milk and Transcription Factors
If you remember your high school biology, you probably recall that DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into protein. Transcription requires proteins called transcription factors. According to an October 2010 article in the "Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia," acne is ultimately the result of a deficiency of the transcription factor nuclear Fox01. Furthermore, the deficiency of this substance that leads to acne is the end result of a diet containing dairy and hyperglycemic foods.
Some Milk Components May Improve Acne
A September 2010 article published in "Nutrition" suggests that certain components of dairy protein may improve acne. In this study, patients were assigned to either a group receiving fermented milk only or to a group receiving both fermented milk and lactoferrin, a whey milk protein that remains after casein has been removed. After 12 weeks, patients receiving the lactoferrin had 38.6 percent fewer acne lesions than those receiving the fermented milk only, and their sebum content decreased by 31.1 percent.
Other Dietary Factors
The authors of a July 2010 review article published in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" summarized the current research by saying that, while a lack of randomized controlled trials limited the scope of their review, it does appear that dairy products are weakly associated with acne. Compelling evidence also exists for the role played by high glycemic foods in exacerbating this condition. In their view, further research should also be done on omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, zinc and dietary fiber.
References
- "Medical Hypotheses"; Milk -- The Promoter of Chronic Western Diseases; B.C. Melnik; June 2009
- "Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft"; Milk Consumption: Aggravating Factor of Acne and Promoter of Chronic Diseases in Western Societies; B. Melnik; April 2009
- "Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia"; The Role of Transcription Factor Fox01 In the Pathogenesis of Acne Vulgaris and the Mode of Isotretinoin Action; B.C. Melnik; October 2010
- "Nutrition"; Dietary Effect of Lactoferrin-Enriched Fermented Milk On Skin Surface Lipid and Clinical Improvement in Acne Vulgaris; J. Kim, et al.; September 2010
- "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology"; Diet and Acne; W.P. Bowe, et al.; July 2010
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