The calcium and other nutrients in milk products are essential for building and maintaining strong bones during childhood, reducing bone loss during adulthood and preventing osteoporosis.
Bone health is important for overall health and quality of life and is dependent on bone mass, bone architecture and body mechanics.1,2 Optimal bone health status is crucial to prevent osteoporosis, which is a disease characterized by low bone mass and bone microarchitectural deterioration, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fracture.2,3
Keywords: bone health , osteoporosis
Read moreThe relationship between milk product consumption and bone fracture risk has been examined in several studies, including a meta-analysis. Overall, the evidence suggests that milk product consumption is not associated with an increased risk of bone fracture, and may even decrease its risk.
Continue readingOsteoporosis is a disease with its roots in childhood, as bone size, strength, and mineralization peak in one's 20s. Since bone mass declines with advancing age and menopause, individuals who attain optimal peak bone mass during their younger years will have an advantage as they get older. Although it is largely genetically predetermined, peak bone mass is not always attained due to inadequate calcium and vitamin D intakes, poor overall nutrition, lack of physical activity, and other factors such as smoking.1
Continue readingA 2015 meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials (n = 1,533) by Tai et al. examined whether increasing calcium from dietary sources affects bone mineral density.1 Increasing calcium intake from dietary sources led to a small increase in bone mineral density (by 0.6%-1.8%) at...
Continue readingThere is consistent evidence that milk and milk products play an important role in the development of strong and healthy bones in children and adolescents and in helping them achieve peak bone mass.
Continue readingMilk products contain many nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D, protein and phosphorus, which play a key role in the formation and maintenance of optimal bone health.
Continue readingIt is well known that vitamin D influences the development and maintenance of bone mass and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Furthermore, it is also thought to improve lower limb neuromuscular function.
Continue readingIn a review paper by renowned bone health expert Robert P. Heaney and protein metabolism expert Donald K. Layman, the evidence related to protein and bone health was examined:1 Loss of bone mass (osteopenia) and loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) that occur with age are closely related;...
Continue readingNutrients other than calcium and vitamin D that have been implicated in bone health are outlined in Table 2.
Continue readingSeveral studies have demonstrated that milk products are superior to calcium supplements alone, likely due to the role of other nutrients found in milk products that have also been shown to be important for bone health. Only one head-to-head study has addressed the role of calcium...
Continue readingWant to learn more about the association between milk products and certain health conditions like type 2 diabetes, acne, kidney stones, or dental carries? You will find in this section the latest scientific evidence on those different topics.
Read moreLearn more about the scientific evidence on hypertension and the impact of milk products in its prevention, as well as the effects of other lifestyle factors.
Read more
Need educational resources for your practice? Download copies online, or order print versions free of charge.
Make a request
Every month, articles of interest are featured in our NutriNews Bulletin. Sign up today to stay up to date on the latest scientific evidence and research.
Sign up
Dairy Goodness - Nourish Your Day
Everyone knows that milk products are an important part of a healthy diet. Need to squeeze in a quick dinner between ballet and baseball? Whip up wholesome snacks on a whim? Dairy Goodness has a recipe for every taste and timeline, plus tips and tricks to help make even the most hectic days hassle-free.
Dairy Farmers of Canada
An overview of Dairy Farmers of Canada, what we do and the values we stand for. With programs on dairy production, food safety, supply management, promotion, nutrition, environment and economic contribution, dairyfarmers.ca offers you news, information, facts and figures about Canada’s dairy industry.
© Copyright Dairy Farmers of Canada, 2021.
