In recent years, an increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets. This trend has been largely influenced by concerns regarding bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, alongside a significantly enhanced variety of milk and dairy alternatives available. 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 dairy than men. Public health advocates in Australia and the U.K. have raised alarms that the growing number of women avoiding dairy has reached “dangerous levels.” According to USDA data, milk consumption across all demographics has halved since the late 1970s, coinciding with a sharp decline in farmgate milk prices. Interestingly, total dairy consumption has actually risen, with per capita yogurt intake climbing to nearly 15 pounds per year, up from a mere two pounds in 1975. Despite this increase, yogurt still does not significantly contribute to the overall dairy servings consumed by Americans.
In response, the dairy industry is pivoting its focus from liquid milk to promoting protein-enhanced and other functional products, highlighting the fresh and natural qualities of milk. Recent studies that advocate for the benefits of dairy consumption may bolster the industry’s efforts. However, as more women adopt dietary recommendations to increase their intake of plant-based foods, the dairy sector—and researchers studying early menopause—may need to work harder to demonstrate the ongoing importance of dairy for women’s health. This is especially relevant when considering calcium sources; for instance, discussions around dicalcium malate vs calcium citrate are becoming increasingly pertinent, as the right calcium supplement can play a crucial role in supporting bone health. Ultimately, while dairy remains a traditional source of calcium, it is essential to explore alternative options, such as dicalcium malate vs calcium citrate, to meet the nutritional needs of women, particularly those who are reducing or eliminating dairy from their diets.