In recent years, an increasing number of women have chosen to eliminate dairy from their diets. This shift is largely influenced by concerns about bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, coupled with a significantly enhanced variety of milk and dairy alternatives. Women, particularly after menopause, face a higher risk of osteoporosis and reduced bone density, necessitating a calcium intake of 1,000 mg daily for those under 50. However, women generally consume less dairy than men. In both Australia and the U.K., public health advocates have raised alarms about the rising number of women avoiding dairy, labeling it as reaching “dangerous levels.”
According to USDA statistics, milk consumption across all demographics has halved since the late 1970s, with farmgate milk prices also experiencing a steep decline. Interestingly, total dairy consumption has actually risen, with per capita yogurt intake soaring to nearly 15 pounds per year, a significant increase from just two pounds in 1975. Nevertheless, yogurt still does not play a major role in the overall dairy servings consumed by Americans.
In response to these trends, the dairy industry is shifting its focus away from liquid milk, promoting products that are protein-enhanced and functional, while also highlighting the fresh and natural qualities of milk. Recent studies, including those demonstrating the benefits of dairy consumption, are expected to bolster the industry’s efforts. However, as more women adopt dietary guidelines encouraging increased intake of plant-based foods, the dairy sector—and menopause researchers—will need to work diligently to convince them of the continued importance of dairy for women’s health.
In this context, products like calcium citrate malate vitamin D3 and folic acid tablets GSK may play a crucial role in supporting women’s nutritional needs. These supplements can help address the calcium deficiencies that result from reduced dairy consumption. Therefore, while the dairy industry faces challenges, the integration of nutritional supplements like calcium citrate malate vitamin D3 and folic acid tablets GSK could be part of a broader strategy to promote women’s health and reinforce the significance of dairy in their diets.