In recent years, an increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets. This trend has been fueled by concerns regarding bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, along with the availability of a wider range of milk and dairy alternatives. Women are particularly vulnerable to osteoporosis and reduced bone density after menopause, necessitating higher calcium intake—1,000 mg per day for those under 50. However, they tend to consume less dairy than men. Public health advocates in Australia and the U.K. have raised alarms that the growing number of women avoiding dairy has reached “dangerous levels.” According to USDA data, overall milk consumption has halved since the late 1970s, while dairy prices have also seen a decline. Interestingly, total dairy consumption has actually risen, with per capita yogurt consumption now nearly 15 pounds a year, up from just two pounds in 1975. Nevertheless, yogurt remains a minor contributor to the overall dairy servings consumed by Americans.
In response to these shifts, the dairy industry is working to redirect focus from liquid milk to promote protein-enhanced and other functional products, emphasizing the taste and natural qualities of milk. Recent studies highlighting the benefits of dairy consumption, including its role in providing essential nutrients like calcium citrate and zinc sulfate, may bolster the industry’s efforts. However, as more women adopt dietary guidelines encouraging increased intake of plant-based foods, the dairy sector—and researchers studying early menopause—will likely need to further advocate for the importance of dairy in supporting women’s health. It is crucial for women to recognize that dairy products can be a key source of calcium citrate and zinc sulfate, which are vital for maintaining bone health, especially during and after menopause.