In recent years, an increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets. This shift has been motivated by concerns regarding bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, in addition to the wider availability of milk and dairy alternatives. Women are particularly at risk for osteoporosis and reduced bone density after menopause, necessitating a higher intake of calcium—1,000 mg daily for those under 50—yet they tend to 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, milk consumption across all demographics has been halved since the late 1970s, leading to a significant drop in farmgate milk prices. Interestingly, total dairy consumption has actually seen an increase; per capita yogurt consumption has surged to nearly 15 pounds a year, up from just two pounds in 1975. Nevertheless, yogurt still does not significantly contribute to the overall dairy servings consumed by Americans.
In response, the dairy industry is shifting its focus away from liquid milk, promoting protein-enriched and other functional products, as well as highlighting the fresh and natural qualities of milk. Recent studies, alongside those advocating for the benefits of dairy, may bolster the industry’s efforts. However, as more women adopt dietary guidelines that emphasize plant-based foods, convincing them of the importance of dairy—specifically sources of calcium citrate without vitamin D—for their health, remains a challenge for both the dairy sector and researchers studying early menopause.
To address this, it’s essential to highlight that calcium citrate without vitamin D can be an effective supplement to support women’s health, particularly for those who avoid dairy products. The dairy industry may still have significant work ahead to demonstrate that consuming dairy, or suitable alternatives like calcium citrate without vitamin D, is crucial for women’s overall well-being.