Bone deterioration is accelerated during menopause. Dairy products contain essential nutrients, like – calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, high-quality protein and bioactive compounds, that may promote bone mineralization.

The aim of a recent study published in Menopause was to estimate the change in lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density and the risk of bone fracture by the frequency of dairy intakes among women across the menopausal transition.

The present study utilized the publicly available data from the Study of Womens Health Across the Nation. The total dairy foods were analyzed in four categories – <0.5, 0.5 to <1.5, 1.5 to <2.5, and ≥2.5 servings/day or <1.5 and ≥1.5 servings/day. A general linear model was used to estimate the association of dairy intake with the 10-year bone mineral density loss rate and a linear mixed model was used to estimate the annualized bone mineral density loss rate of the femoral neck and lumbar spine.

The results showed no significant differences in bone mineral density alterations regardless of the baseline menopausal status. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the risk of nontraumatic fracture.

In inference, it was stated that in women undergoing the menopausal transition, dairy food intake does not appear to improve bone mineral density (BMD) or reduce the risk of osteoporotic fracture.

Source: Menopause. 2020. Volume 27 - Issue 8 - p 879-886 doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001555