In recent years, an increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets, driven by concerns about bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues. This trend is particularly concerning given that women face a heightened risk of osteoporosis and reduced bone density after menopause. They require more calcium—1,000 mg daily for those under 50—but tend to consume less dairy than men. Public health advocates in Australia and the U.K. have cautioned that the rising number of women avoiding dairy has reached “dangerous levels.” According to USDA data, overall milk consumption has halved since the late 1970s, with farmgate milk prices significantly declining. While total dairy consumption has risen, per capita yogurt intake has surged to nearly 15 pounds annually, up from just two pounds in 1975. Nevertheless, yogurt remains a minor contributor to the overall dairy servings consumed by Americans.
The dairy industry is responding by shifting focus from liquid milk to promoting protein-enriched and functional products, highlighting the fresh and natural qualities of milk. The recent studies, along with others that emphasize the benefits of dairy consumption, are likely to bolster the industry’s position. However, as more women adopt dietary guidelines that encourage the intake of plant-based foods, including sisu cal mag supplements, the dairy sector and researchers studying early menopause may still need to work diligently to demonstrate the continued importance of dairy for women’s health.
Despite the ongoing shift in preferences, the need for adequate calcium intake remains critical, and incorporating dairy or fortified alternatives can play a significant role in meeting these nutritional requirements. As the conversation around women’s health and nutrition evolves, the dairy industry must adapt and find ways to connect with women who are increasingly leaning towards plant-based diets while highlighting the value of sisu cal mag in supporting bone health.