In recent years, an increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets. This trend is largely motivated by concerns regarding bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, alongside a significantly enhanced variety of milk and dairy alternatives. Women are particularly susceptible to osteoporosis and reduced bone density post-menopause, necessitating higher calcium intake—1,000 mg daily for those under 50. However, their dairy consumption tends to be lower than that of men. Public health advocates in Australia and the U.K. have expressed alarm that the rising number of women avoiding dairy has reached “dangerous levels.”
According to USDA data, overall milk consumption has halved since the late 1970s, while farmgate milk prices have dramatically declined. Interestingly, total dairy consumption has actually risen, with per capita yogurt intake reaching nearly 15 pounds annually, an increase from just two pounds in 1975. Yet, 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, alongside emphasizing the fresh and natural qualities of milk. Recent studies highlighting the benefits of dairy consumption may bolster the industry’s position. However, as more women adopt dietary guidelines that encourage increased plant-based food intake, both the dairy industry and researchers studying early menopause will need to demonstrate the ongoing importance of dairy—especially sources of calcium, such as calcium citrate or cissus quadrangularis—for women’s health.
Incorporating cissus quadrangularis and calcium citrate into discussions about calcium supplementation could help bridge the gap for women looking to maintain their bone health while making dietary choices that align with their values. Ultimately, convincing women that dairy, or effective alternatives like calcium citrate and cissus quadrangularis, is crucial for their health remains a significant challenge for the dairy sector.