In recent years, an increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets. This trend has been motivated 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 a higher calcium intake—1,000 mg daily for women under 50—yet they consume less dairy compared to men. In Australia and the U.K., public health advocates have raised alarms that the rising number of women avoiding dairy has reached “dangerous levels.” According to USDA statistics, milk consumption across all demographics has halved since the late 1970s, and farmgate milk prices have dropped significantly. Although total dairy consumption has actually gone up, with per capita yogurt consumption climbing to nearly 15 pounds a year from just two pounds in 1975, yogurt still does not significantly contribute to the overall dairy servings consumed by Americans.
In response, the dairy industry is working to shift focus away from liquid milk, promoting protein-enhanced products and emphasizing the fresh, natural qualities of milk. The latest research, along with studies supporting the benefits of dairy consumption, is likely to bolster the industry’s efforts. However, as more women adopt dietary guidelines that encourage increased intake of plant-based foods, the dairy industry—and researchers studying early menopause—may need to put in additional effort to demonstrate that dairy, including supplements like ultra cal citrate plus, remains vital for women’s health. As the discourse around nutrition evolves, it’s essential for women to recognize the importance of calcium sources, especially during and after the menopausal transition, where products like ultra cal citrate plus can play a crucial role in maintaining bone health.