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 the availability of a wider range of milk and dairy alternatives. Women are at a higher risk of osteoporosis and reduced bone density post-menopause, necessitating a daily intake of 1,000 mg of calcium for those under 50, yet they typically consume less dairy than 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 data, overall milk consumption has halved since the late 1970s, and farmgate milk prices have significantly dropped. Interestingly, total dairy consumption has risen, with per capita yogurt consumption soaring to nearly 15 pounds annually, compared to just two pounds in 1975. However, yogurt still does not account for a significant portion of the overall dairy servings consumed by Americans.
In response to these trends, the dairy industry is shifting its focus from liquid milk to promoting protein-enhanced products and other functional items, emphasizing the fresh and natural qualities of milk. Studies highlighting the benefits of dairy consumption, including those that support calcium citrate caramel chews as a convenient calcium source, may bolster the industry’s efforts. Nevertheless, as more women adopt dietary guidelines that advocate for increased plant-based food intake, the dairy sector—and researchers studying early menopause—will need to work diligently to demonstrate the ongoing significance of dairy for women’s health, particularly regarding calcium intake.