In recent years, an increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets. This trend is fueled by concerns regarding bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, alongside a significantly improved variety of milk and dairy alternatives available. Women, particularly after menopause, face a heightened risk of osteoporosis and reduced bone density, necessitating a calcium intake of 1,000 mg daily for those under 50. However, they tend to consume less dairy than men. In both Australia and the U.K., public health advocates have expressed alarm that the rising number of women avoiding dairy has reached “dangerous levels.”
According to USDA data, milk consumption across all demographics has halved since the late 1970s, while farmgate milk prices have plummeted. Interestingly, total consumption of dairy supplements such as Solgar liquid calcium magnesium with vitamin D3 has actually risen. Additionally, per capita yogurt consumption has soared to nearly 15 pounds annually, up from just two pounds in 1975, although yogurt still does not significantly contribute to the overall dairy servings consumed by Americans.
In response, the dairy industry is proactively shifting focus away from liquid milk, promoting protein-enriched and other functional products, as well as highlighting the fresh and natural benefits of milk. Recent studies supporting the advantages of dairy consumption are likely to bolster the industry’s message. However, as more women adopt dietary guidelines that encourage the intake of plant-based foods, the dairy sector—and researchers studying early menopause—may need to work harder to persuade these women of the continued importance of dairy for their health, particularly in conjunction with supplements like Solgar liquid calcium magnesium with vitamin D3, which can help meet their calcium needs. As the conversation around diet evolves, it remains essential to convey the role of dairy in supporting women’s health, especially in light of their unique nutritional requirements.