Leche y Acne?

LaRosa CL, Quach KA, Koons K, et al
J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;75:318-322

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This large case-control study echoes prior reports linking low-fat and skim milk intake to a higher prevalence of acne vulgaris in teenagers. This effect may be due, at least in part, to stimulation of sebaceous glands via transient milk-induced elevations in insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1.^[4]

As LaRosa and colleagues note, this modest association between low-fat dairy intake and acne does not establish causality. Furthermore, dairy-restriction diets have yet to show any clinically measurable benefit in reducing acne. Because milk contains a complex mixture of fatty acids, proteins such as casein, and the fat-soluble vitamins A and D, it remains unclear which, if any, of these components has a pro-acne effect. This is especially important because whole milk appears to show no pro-acne effects. In contrast, low-fat/skim milk elimination may benefit some teenagers with refractory acne, but clinical trials are needed to quantify this effect and to tease out which specific components of milk are responsible.

• Total dairy consumption was slightly higher in the acne group.

• Low-fat/skim milk consumption correlated with having acne (0.61 servings of low-fat/skim milk per day in the acne group versus 0.41 servings of low-fat/skim milk per day in the control group; P =.01).

• In contrast, whole milk consumption did not correlate with having acne.

• Investigators found no link between acne and the mean dietary glycemic index; total daily calorie intake; intake of saturated or trans-fat; total carbohydrates; total protein; total fat; or percentage of calories from fat, protein, or carbohydrates.