Osteoporosis is a common problem among post-menopausal women. This happens as a result of loss of bone mass as you age. If you have this condition, you may be at risk of frequent fractures. You are also at a greater risk of compression fractures of the vertebrae and this can cause severe pain and reduce mobility. To bring down the risk of osteoporosis, it is important to follow a nutritious diet that includes a lot of calcium. This becomes all the more important once you reach 60 years of age.
Milk and dairy products are rich sources of this nutrient. Dairy products also come with a host of other essential nutrients that boost overall health. But now, new research says that these products may not be able to offer significant protection against age-related bone loss. This is contrary to earlier beliefs that milk and milk products are a must in post-menopausal women’s diet.
Dairy does not reduce risk of fractures: Experts
Researchers have found that despite containing essential nutrients, dairy products do not benefit lumbar spine or femoral neck bone density, nor do they protect against fracture risk in women. The study is based on data from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). It shows that during the menopause transition, when bone loss is accelerated, dairy products offer little benefit in preventing bone mineral density loss or fractures. According to the study, published online in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS), as women enter the menopause transition, bone loss accelerates and may lead to osteoporosis. The SWAN data reveals that this bone loss is not slowed down by the consumption of dairy products nor is fracture risk mitigated.
About the study
For the findings, the current study specifically looked at the effect of dairy intake on femoral and spine bone mineral density. Researchers say that this is one of the few studies that examines how dairy consumption affects a woman’s risk of bone loss and fractures across the menopause transition.
According to researchers, two of the greatest risk factors for osteoporosis – age and sex – are beyond a woman’s control. Hence, there is an increased focus on possible modifiable risk factors to slow this irreversible, age-related, progressive, degenerative skeletal disease that makes a woman more susceptible to bone fractures. The findings show that women are at greater risk for osteoporosis than men, and the risk increases significantly with age. This study adds to the existing data suggesting a lack of benefit from the dairy intake on bone mineral density and fracture risk.
What actually helps
According to researchers of the above-mentioned study, there are better health benefits of a Mediterranean-type diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as lean protein such as fish and low-fat dairy. They also add that regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or jogging, can help maintain bone strength. Activities that improve strength and balance, such as yoga and tai chi, may also help prevent falls and injury.
(With inputs from Agencies)