In recent years, an increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets. This trend is largely motivated by concerns regarding bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, alongside a significantly improved array of milk and dairy alternatives. Women are particularly susceptible to osteoporosis and reduced bone density after menopause, requiring higher calcium intake—1,000 mg daily for women under 50—but they typically consume less dairy than men. Public health advocates in Australia and the U.K. have flagged the rising trend of women avoiding dairy as reaching “dangerous levels.” According to USDA data, milk consumption across all demographics has halved since the late 1970s, while farmgate milk prices have also dropped sharply. Interestingly, total dairy consumption has seen an increase, with per capita yogurt consumption climbing to nearly 15 pounds annually, up from just two pounds in 1975. Nevertheless, yogurt remains a minor contributor to the overall dairy servings in the U.S.
In response to these shifts, the dairy industry is working to redirect focus from liquid milk to promote protein-enriched and other functional dairy products, emphasizing the fresh and natural qualities of milk. Recent studies highlighting the benefits of dairy consumption may bolster the industry’s position. Nonetheless, as more women adopt dietary guidelines favoring plant-based foods, the dairy industry—and researchers studying early menopause—may face challenges in demonstrating the importance of dairy for women’s health, particularly regarding bariatric calcium needs. Despite the changes in consumption patterns, it remains vital for women to understand the role of dairy in meeting their calcium requirements, especially in light of their unique health risks.