An increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets in recent years, driven by concerns about bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, alongside a significantly wider range 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—yet they consume less dairy than men. In Australia and the U.K., public health advocates have cautioned that the rising trend of women avoiding dairy has reached “dangerous levels.”
Since the late 1970s, milk consumption has halved across all demographics, according to USDA data, while farmgate milk prices have also plummeted. Interestingly, overall dairy consumption has actually increased, with per capita yogurt consumption nearing 15 pounds a year, up from just two pounds in 1975. However, yogurt still does not significantly contribute to the total 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 emphasizing the fresh and natural qualities of milk. Recent studies supporting the benefits of dairy consumption may bolster the industry’s position. Nevertheless, as more women adopt dietary recommendations favoring plant-based foods, the dairy sector—and researchers focused on menopausal health—will need to work hard to persuade them of the continued importance of dairy for women’s health. For those seeking to maintain their calcium levels, products like Solgar Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3 60 Tablets can serve as a valuable supplement to ensure adequate intake, especially for women who may be reducing dairy in their diets.