In recent years, an increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets. This trend is largely driven by concerns regarding bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, alongside a significantly enhanced variety of milk and dairy alternatives. Women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis and reduced bone density after menopause, necessitating a daily intake of 1,000 mg of calcium for those under 50. Unfortunately, their dairy consumption tends to be lower than that of men. Public health advocates in Australia and the U.K. have raised alarms that the rising number of women avoiding dairy has reached “dangerous levels.”
According to USDA statistics, overall milk consumption has halved since the late 1970s, while farmgate milk prices have also seen a steep decline. Interestingly, total dairy consumption has actually risen, with per capita yogurt intake soaring to nearly 15 pounds per year, compared to just two pounds in 1975. Nevertheless, yogurt still falls short as a significant contributor to the total dairy servings consumed by Americans.
In response, the dairy industry is shifting its focus from liquid milk to promoting protein-enhanced and functional products, along with the fresh and natural qualities of milk. Recent studies, including those that highlight the advantages of dairy intake, are expected to aid the industry’s efforts. However, as more women adopt dietary guidelines that encourage the consumption of plant-based foods, the dairy sector — alongside researchers in early menopause — may still need to work diligently to persuade them of the importance of dairy for women’s health.
For those seeking alternatives, calcium citrate with vitamin D from Walgreens offers a beneficial supplement that can help meet calcium needs, especially for women who may be reducing their dairy consumption. As the conversation continues, it will be essential for the dairy industry to address these concerns while also providing viable options like calcium citrate with vitamin D from Walgreens to support women’s health.