In recent years, an increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets, largely due to concerns regarding bovine growth hormones, animal welfare issues, and digestive problems. Additionally, the availability of a wide range of milk and dairy alternatives has contributed to this trend. Women, particularly after menopause, face a higher risk of osteoporosis and reduced bone density. They require more calcium—1,000 mg daily for those under 50—but tend to consume less dairy compared to men. Public health advocates in Australia and the U.K. have raised alarms over the growing number of women avoiding dairy, deeming it to have reached “dangerous levels.” According to USDA data, milk consumption across all demographics has halved since the late 1970s, while farmgate milk prices have also seen a significant decline. Despite this, total dairy consumption has actually increased, with per capita yogurt consumption climbing to nearly 15 pounds a year, compared to just two pounds in 1975. However, yogurt remains a minor contributor to the overall dairy servings consumed by Americans.
In response to these shifts, the dairy industry is working to redirect focus away from liquid milk, promoting protein-enriched and other functional products, as well as emphasizing the fresh and natural qualities of milk. This recent study, along with others highlighting the health benefits of dairy, is likely to bolster the industry’s efforts. Nevertheless, as more women adopt dietary guidelines that encourage plant-based food consumption, the dairy sector—and researchers focused on early menopause—may still need to demonstrate the importance of dairy for women’s health, particularly regarding calcium citrate malate and vitamin D3, which are crucial for maintaining healthy bones. It is essential that women understand how these nutrients, often found in dairy products, can support their health, especially during the critical post-menopausal years.