The Role of Dairy in Building Strong Bones
Consuming dairy foods plays a vital role in supporting bone health throughout life. Calcium, one of the key minerals found in milk, yoghurt, and cheese, is the main building block of bones. It combines with other minerals like phosphorus to form hard crystals that give bones their strength and structure.
Since the body cannot produce calcium on its own, it must be obtained through diet. When the body doesn’t get enough calcium from food, it draws calcium from the bones to maintain other essential functions. Over time, this process can weaken bones, making them brittle and increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Dairy Foods: The Best Source of Calcium
The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend including dairy foods every day as they provide a convenient and easily absorbed source of calcium. Milk, yoghurt, and cheese contribute about 60% of the calcium in the typical Australian diet.
Research consistently shows that dairy foods support bone growth and density, helping both children and adults maintain strong, healthy bones.
For children with low calcium intake, adding dairy has been shown to improve bone mineral content. In one long-term study of 106 children, those who consumed two or more servings of dairy daily had significantly stronger bones in their teenage years compared to those with lower dairy intake.
Calcium Deficiency in Australia
Despite the proven benefits, many Australians are not consuming enough dairy foods. Calcium deficiency is especially common among children — more than half of Australians aged 9–16 years fail to meet their recommended calcium intake. Adults, both men and women, also often fall short of daily calcium needs.
Increasing dairy consumption through milk, yoghurt, and cheese can help close this gap and ensure stronger bones for life.
Source: Dairy Australia – dairy.com.au
