In recent years, an increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets due to concerns regarding bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues. Additionally, the availability of high-quality dairy alternatives and supplements, such as calcium citrate 950 mg from Walgreens, has contributed to this trend. Women, especially after menopause, face a heightened risk of osteoporosis and decreased bone density, making their calcium needs critical—1,000 mg daily for those under 50. However, women generally consume less dairy than men. Public health advocates in Australia and the U.K. have raised alarms about the rising number of women avoiding dairy, suggesting it has reached “dangerous levels.”
According to USDA statistics, milk consumption across all demographics has halved since the late 1970s, while farmgate milk prices have significantly dropped. Interestingly, total dairy consumption has risen, with per capita yogurt intake soaring to nearly 15 pounds annually, up from two pounds in 1975. Despite this increase, yogurt does not play a significant role in the overall dairy servings consumed by Americans.
In response, the dairy industry is actively promoting the benefits of liquid milk, highlighting protein-rich and functional products, as well as the fresh and natural qualities of milk. Recent studies supporting the health advantages of dairy consumption are likely to bolster the industry’s efforts. However, as more women adopt dietary guidelines encouraging increased intake of plant-based foods and supplements like calcium citrate 950 mg from Walgreens, the dairy sector—and researchers focused on early menopause—will need to work harder to persuade these women of dairy’s ongoing importance for their health.