I've read a few posts that said zinc inhibit 5 alpha reductase and reduces DHT, hence it's good for acne.
But then there's this study:
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http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/01485018109009378
Effect of Zinc Administration on Plasma Testosterone, Dihydrotestosterone, and Sperm Count
"T and DHT rose significantly after oral administration of zinc"
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So it looks like zinc actually increases DHT significantly. Does that mean zinc is something to avoid? Are there any studies that show zinc is actually good for acne?
That study was done on infertile men, so it may not be the best reference. I know zinc increases testosterone in people with low testosterone, and I don't know about DHT. However, zinc is great for acne by reducing inflammation. You shouldn't avoid taking it, and I don't think I've ever seen a post that said zinc made someone break out.
There are plenty of studies. Just google "site:nih.gov" and then whatever keywords you want, and you will find whatever study you want. Here are some: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2575335
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15908296
According to this: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2575335
The people in that study were taking doses of 200 MG of ZINC?!? Isn't that toxic?
Zinc decreases DHT by inhibiting (reducing or stopping) 5 alpha-reductase, an enzyme which is responsible for converting Testosterone (and other hormones as far as I know, but the science on that is not as well-researched from what I've been able to find) into the more potent DHT. DHT = bad testosterone, DHT causes prostate issues in men and also hair loss.
That study is an anomaly. You know how 9 in 10 Dentists recommend Colgate toothpaste? This study is that 10th dentist.
Ok, that's a bad example because Colgate sucks. But you get my point.
