An increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets in recent years. This trend is largely fueled by concerns about bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, along with a significantly improved array of milk and dairy alternatives. Women are at a higher risk of osteoporosis and reduced bone density after menopause, necessitating a daily calcium intake of 1,000 mg for those under 50. However, they tend to consume less calcium-rich products than men. Public health advocates in Australia and the U.K. have raised alarms that the rising number of women avoiding dairy has reached “dangerous levels.” According to USDA data, overall milk consumption has halved since the late 1970s, while farmgate milk prices have also dropped. Interestingly, total dairy consumption has risen; per capita yogurt consumption has surged to nearly 15 pounds a year, compared to just two pounds in 1975. Despite this, yogurt remains a minor contributor to the overall dairy servings consumed by Americans.
In response, the dairy industry is shifting its focus away from liquid milk, promoting protein-enhanced and functional products, as well as highlighting the fresh and natural qualities of milk. Recent research supporting the benefits of dairy consumption may bolster the industry’s cause. However, as more women follow dietary recommendations to increase their intake of plant-based foods, the dairy industry—and researchers studying early menopause—might still need to work harder to demonstrate the importance of dairy for women’s health. It’s worth noting that many alternatives, such as calcium citrate without vitamin D, are gaining popularity, but they may not fully replace the nutritional benefits found in traditional dairy products. As the conversation around dietary choices evolves, it will be essential to continue educating women on the role of dairy in their health, especially regarding calcium citrate with no vitamin D and its significance in their diets.