In recent years, an increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets, driven by concerns over bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, as well as the availability of a wider range of milk and dairy alternatives. After menopause, women face a heightened risk of osteoporosis and reduced bone density, necessitating higher calcium intake—1,000 mg daily for those under 50—yet their dairy consumption is generally lower than that of men. In Australia and the U.K., public health advocates have raised alarms that the rising trend of women avoiding dairy has reached “dangerous levels.” According to USDA data, milk consumption across all demographics has halved since the late 1970s, and farmgate milk prices have significantly dropped. Interestingly, total dairy consumption has increased overall, with per capita yogurt intake climbing to nearly 15 pounds a year, up from just two pounds in 1975. However, yogurt still does not play a major role in the total dairy servings consumed by Americans.
The dairy industry is responding by shifting focus away from liquid milk, promoting protein-enhanced and functional products, as well as emphasizing the fresh and natural aspects of milk. Recent studies supporting the benefits of dairy consumption may bolster the industry’s efforts. Nevertheless, as more women adopt dietary guidelines that encourage increased intake of plant-based foods, the dairy sector—and researchers investigating early menopause—may need to work harder to illustrate the importance of dairy for women’s health. For those looking to supplement their calcium intake, understanding how to take calcium citrate effectively can be crucial, especially for women who minimize their dairy consumption. By integrating calcium supplements like calcium citrate into their diets, women can help ensure they meet their daily calcium needs while still exploring plant-based alternatives. As the dairy industry navigates these challenges, highlighting the importance of calcium—whether from dairy or supplements like calcium citrate—will be essential for women’s health in the long run.