Acne Linked to Dairy Products and Foods High in Glycemic Index

You’ve always heard the saying “pizza causes acne” was just a myth – but scientists have determined that there may be more truth to this statement than they previously thought. 

A recent study has determined that there is a link between diet and acne, particularly with dairy products and foods that have a high glycemic index. The study, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, also determined that medical nutrition therapy (MNT) can play an important role in treating and improving acne.

The study compiled information from studies conducted between 1960 and 2012 that investigated diet and acne. Investigators looked at data for a number of study characteristics, including reference, design, participants, intervention method, primary outcome, results and conclusions, covariate considerations and limitations. The study investigators concluded that a high glycemic index and frequent dairy consumption are the leading factors in establishing the link between diet and acne.

"Dermatologists and registered dietitians have revisited the diet-acne relationship and become increasingly interested in the role of medical nutritional therapy in acne treatment," said Jennifer Burris, MS, RD, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York University.

The glycemic index is a numerical index that ranks carbohydrates based on their rate of glycemic response, or their conversion to glucose within the human body. The glycemic index uses a scale of 0 to 100, with higher values given to foods that cause the most rapid rise in blood sugar. White bread, pizza, waffles, pretzels, doughnuts, sugary cereals, ice cream and baked potatoes are all foods with a high glycemic index. Dairy products are any milk products or foods that have been made from milk, including chocolate milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, butter, cream and cream cheese.

Does this mean acne-sufferers should stay away from these foods, though? The study leaders said more research is still necessary, but MNT should not be ruled out.

“The medical community should not dismiss the possibility of diet therapy as an adjunct treatment for acne. At this time, the best approach is to address each acne patient individually, carefully considering the possibility of dietary counseling,” said Burris.

 

To learn more or to talk with an experienced dermatologist about your acne conditions, call Greenville Dermatology today at (864) 282-5872.