Facing the white truth
The summary of an extensive review of all studies examining the relationship between diet and acne were published and sent a very clear message. While no other food group showed consistent link to acne, dairy did. The researchers are not sure whether this is due to the hormones in milk, milk protein or the effect of milk on insulin and IGF-1 (hormone-like substance) concentrations or whether it’s all these factors working together. However, dairy has been repeatedly shown to markedly aggravate acne.
Burris, J., Rietkerk, W., Woolf, K., 2013. Acne: The Role of Medical Nutrition Therapy. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 113 (3) 416-430.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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