The Medical Report on Skin Problems and Milk

A recent medical report showed that the occurrence of skin problems is increased when milk and/or dairy products are consumed on a regular basis.  One of the most common skin problems is acne, which affects approximately 85% of adolescents in the United Kingdom.  Although the incidence of acne in other countries may be lower, it is important to understand the association between acne and specific components of our daily diet, especially in terms of consumption of milk and other dairy products.

Skin Problems and Dairy Products

The first association study on skin problems and dairy products was published in the 1940′s, in which acne flares were reported after drinking milk.  However, subsequent studies in the 1960s refuted this claim, indicating that there was no association between acne and dairy products.  To further examine the relationship between skin problems and diets containing dairy products, the researchers of this recent medical report conducted a study involving approximately 44 patients positively diagnosed with acne vulgaris, or more commonly known as cystic acne.

What the Study on Skin Problems Involved

Cystic acne is generally characterized with scaly reddish skin, blackheads, and occasionally, pus.  Acne not only affects the face of an individual but also the chest, back, and sometimes the upper regions of the arms.  Although most of the cases of acne occur among teenagers, this skin disorder may also affect adults.

The research study involved giving a questionnaire to the study participants that asked for information regarding the dietary patterns for two weeks.  The questionnaire also collected information on the study participants’ family history.  Measurements of body weight, as well as height and percentage of body fat were also conducted on the study participants.

The results of the study showed that a higher frequency of drinking milk and consuming dairy products such as ice cream was associated with a higher incidence of skin problems.  Interestingly, the results of the study also showed that females tend to consume more dairy products and milk compared to males.  The study also showed that regardless of body weight, height, and body fat percentage, the occurrence of acne is mainly influenced by the consumption of dairy products.

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The results of the study were interesting because it provides another avenue in establishing specific causes of acne among specific groups of individuals in society.  Although the study employed a small study population, it somehow associates consumption of dairy products with the development of skin acne.  The length of monitoring of the study participants was also short (2 weeks) and thus future studies should look into this food-acne association using a longer study period.  Nevertheless, the information provided by this recent medical report allows us to understand that there are certain specific factors within the diet that may trigger the development of skin disorders and thus we have to be more careful with our food choices.

The highest consumption of calcium is in Canada and the United States, and the highest rate of osteoporosis is also in these countries. This spurned scientists and doctors to further question calcium’s impact on the human body.

Calcium acts alone?

New research suggests that while calcium plays a role in bone health, it can’t make our bones strong all on its own. Scientists have discovered that several other vitamins have to work in concert with calcium to give our bones strength. The intake of milk and other dairy products is important, but so are magnesium, vitamin K, and vitamin D. Without these, the structure of bones breaks down like a brick wall that is crumbling.

Another issue to consider; when it comes to calcium people automatically think of a glass of milk or a piece of cheese but they can be high in fat so here are some dairy free sources of calcium:

• Whole wheat products

• Broccoli, kale, cabbage

• Nuts and seeds

• Mineral water

• Dark, leafy greens

• Beans/legumes

Milk is still an important component for good health. It is good for our nerves and muscles. The Harvard School of Public Health recommends 2 servings of milk a day.

Calcium and good health have always been associated, but there is more information that may come as a big surprise to those who have been pushing milk and diary for decades.

The British Medical Journal published a review of calcium and heart attack studies that suggested an increased risk of heart attack among people who took calcium supplements without consuming vitamin D as well. Just over 6-thousand participants were involved in the studies. There was a 30 per cent increase in risk of heart attack.

Osteoporosis experts in Australia are scoffing at the report. They say long-term studies show that calcium is actually good for your heart.

The role of protein

Another long-standing belief is that a high protein diet can cause bone loss. The theory is that a lot of protein creates an acidic reaction in the body, which leads to calcium loss. Recent research; including a study at the University of Manitoba, has proved otherwise. Following long-term consumption of a high protein diet among rats, researchers at the university measured bone mass in the rats and concluded there was no negative influence. The high protein diet continues to be the source of studies around the world, including research that focuses on calcium.

Exercise

To maintain good health a lot of young people; particularly teens, are told to get their fair share of calcium. Often times that calcium intake is in the form of milk or other dairy products. A report in the American Academy of Pediatrics is one of several papers that have challenged the notion that good health, and specifically strong bone development requires a lot of calcium. The report states that exercise; not calcium intake, was related to bone mineral gain in teens who were involved in a health study at Penn State. The study looked at the hip bone development of active girls 12 to 18 years old and compared them to sedentary individuals. It turns out that regular exercise made a huge difference in bone mass development.

Bottom Line

If good health is the goal, you have to look beyond the dairy aisle. Add other sources of calcium to your diet, don’t forget vitamin K and D, and of course get regular exercise. Milk and other diary products should still be consumed, but they are only part of the equation when it comes to keeping your bones strong.