An increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets in recent years, motivated by concerns related to bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, in addition to the wider availability of milk and dairy alternatives. Women are at a heightened risk of osteoporosis and reduced bone density post-menopause, necessitating higher calcium intake—1,000 mg daily for those under 50—yet they consume less dairy than men. Public health advocates in Australia and the U.K. have raised alarms that the growing trend of women avoiding dairy has reached “dangerous levels.” According to USDA data, milk consumption has halved since the late 1970s, and farmgate milk prices have significantly dropped. Despite this, total dairy consumption has actually risen, with per capita yogurt consumption climbing to nearly 15 pounds a year from just two pounds in 1975. Nonetheless, yogurt still does not significantly contribute to the overall dairy servings consumed by Americans.
In response, the dairy industry is redirecting focus from liquid milk to promoting protein-enhanced and other functional products, while emphasizing the fresh and natural qualities of milk. Recent studies supporting the benefits of dairy consumption are expected to bolster the industry’s efforts. However, as more women adopt dietary guidelines to increase their intake of plant-based foods, the dairy sector, along with researchers studying early menopause, may still need to demonstrate the importance of dairy for women’s health.
For women concerned about their calcium intake, understanding how to take calcium citrate may be beneficial, especially if they are reducing or eliminating dairy from their diets. Incorporating calcium citrate can help meet their daily requirements. Furthermore, as the conversation surrounding women’s health and nutrition evolves, the importance of how to take calcium citrate effectively will become increasingly relevant, particularly for those seeking alternatives to traditional dairy sources.