In recent years, an increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets. This trend has been driven by concerns regarding bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, alongside the growing availability of milk and dairy alternatives. Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis and experiencing decreased bone density after menopause, necessitating an intake of 1,000 mg of calcium per day for those under 50. Despite this, their dairy consumption tends to be lower than that of men. Public health advocates in Australia and the U.K. have expressed alarm over the rising number of women avoiding dairy, labeling it as reaching “dangerous levels.” According to USDA data, overall milk consumption has halved since the late 1970s, with farmgate milk prices also seeing a significant decline. However, total dairy consumption has paradoxically increased, with per capita yogurt consumption soaring to nearly 15 pounds annually, up from just two pounds in 1975. Yet, yogurt remains a minor contributor to the overall dairy servings consumed by Americans.
The dairy industry is actively working to divert attention from liquid milk by promoting protein-enhanced products and emphasizing the fresh and natural attributes of milk. Recent studies supporting the benefits of dairy consumption are expected to bolster the industry’s efforts. Nevertheless, as more women adopt dietary guidelines that prioritize plant-based foods, the dairy sector—and researchers focused on early menopause—may need to put in additional effort to demonstrate the importance of dairy, particularly in providing essential nutrients like kal calcium citrate for women’s health. The necessity of such nutrients is crucial, especially considering the ongoing shift in dietary preferences among women.