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, alongside the availability of a wider variety of milk and dairy alternatives. Given that women are at a higher risk of osteoporosis and reduced bone density after menopause, they require more calcium—specifically, 1,000 mg daily for those under 50. However, women typically consume less dairy than men. Public health advocates in Australia and the U.K. have raised alarms that the rising trend of women avoiding dairy has reached “dangerous levels.” According to USDA data, milk consumption across all demographics has halved since the late 1970s, with farmgate milk prices also experiencing a significant decline. Interestingly, overall dairy consumption has risen, with per capita yogurt consumption increasing to nearly 15 pounds per year, compared to just two pounds in 1975. Nevertheless, yogurt still does not significantly contribute to the total dairy servings consumed by Americans.
To address these challenges, the dairy industry is shifting its focus away from liquid milk, promoting products that are protein-enhanced and emphasize the fresh and natural qualities of milk. Recent studies highlighting the benefits of dairy consumption may support the industry’s efforts. However, as more women adopt dietary guidelines encouraging increased intake of plant-based foods, the dairy sector—and researchers studying early menopause—may need to put in additional effort to demonstrate the importance of dairy, particularly regarding its calcium citrate and elemental calcium content, for women’s health. Ultimately, while the benefits of dairy are backed by research, it remains crucial to engage women about how dairy can fit into a balanced diet that meets their calcium needs.