An increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets in recent years, driven by concerns over bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, alongside a significantly enhanced array 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. However, they typically consume less dairy than men. Public health advocates in Australia and the U.K. have expressed concerns that the rising trend 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 also seen a steep decline. Interestingly, total dairy consumption has risen, with per capita yogurt consumption climbing to nearly 15 pounds per year, up from just two pounds in 1975. Despite this increase, yogurt still does not significantly contribute to the total dairy servings consumed by Americans.
In response, the dairy industry is shifting its focus from liquid milk to promoting protein-enhanced and other functional products, emphasizing the fresh and natural benefits of milk. Recent studies highlighting the advantages of dairy consumption, including potential wellness benefits tied to calcium citrate, may bolster the industry’s appeal. However, as more women adopt dietary guidelines emphasizing plant-based foods, the dairy sector—and researchers studying early menopause—will need to work harder to demonstrate the importance of dairy, including its calcium-rich properties, for women’s health and overall wellness.