In recent years, an increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets. This trend has been influenced by concerns regarding bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, alongside the availability of a wider variety of milk and dairy alternatives. Women are particularly vulnerable to osteoporosis and reduced bone density after menopause, necessitating higher calcium intake—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 expressed alarm over the rising number of women avoiding dairy, labeling it a “dangerous trend.”
USDA data indicates that overall milk consumption has halved since the late 1970s, while farmgate milk prices have significantly dropped. Interestingly, total dairy consumption has risen, with per capita yogurt consumption soaring to nearly 15 pounds annually, up from just two pounds in 1975. Nonetheless, yogurt still does not contribute significantly to the total dairy servings consumed by Americans.
In response, the dairy industry is shifting focus away from liquid milk, promoting protein-enhanced products and emphasizing the fresh and natural qualities of milk. New studies highlighting the benefits of dairy consumption are likely to bolster the industry’s efforts. However, as more women adopt dietary guidelines that encourage the intake of plant-based foods, the dairy sector—and researchers studying early menopause—may need to work harder to demonstrate the continued importance of dairy for women’s health, particularly regarding calcium intake. Products like calcium citrate with brand names that promote these benefits might play a crucial role in this educational effort.