An increasing number of women have been eliminating dairy from their diets in recent years, driven by concerns about bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, as well as the availability of a wider variety of milk and dairy alternatives. Women are particularly vulnerable to osteoporosis and reduced bone density after menopause, necessitating higher calcium intake—1,000 mg daily for those under 50. However, they tend to consume less dairy than men. Public health advocates in Australia and the U.K. have expressed alarm that the rising trend of women avoiding dairy has reached “dangerous levels.” According to USDA data, overall milk consumption has halved since the late 1970s, and farmgate milk prices have also dropped significantly. While total dairy consumption has increased, per capita yogurt intake has surged to nearly 15 pounds annually, up from just two pounds in 1975. Despite this growth, yogurt remains a minor contributor to the total dairy servings consumed by Americans.
In response to these trends, the dairy industry is shifting its focus from liquid milk to promoting protein-enhanced and other functional products, alongside highlighting the fresh and natural benefits of milk. This new study, along with others that emphasize the advantages of dairy consumption, is likely to aid the industry’s efforts. Nevertheless, as more women adopt dietary guidelines that encourage increased consumption of plant-based foods, the dairy sector—and researchers studying early menopause—may still face challenges in convincing them of the importance of dairy for women’s health. Additionally, it’s worth noting that women who seek alternatives may need to consider the balance of calcium citrate and constipation in their diets, as both are crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing dietary deficiencies. Thus, while the dairy industry works to promote its products, it will need to address these health considerations to resonate with women’s evolving dietary preferences.