Dairy foods associated with higher bone density and greater spine strength in older men

Higher intake of dairy foods such as milk, yogurt and cheese, is associated with higher bone mineral density and spine strength in men, especially those over 50 years, says research in The Journal of Bone and Mineral Density. 

A total of 1,522 men and 1,104 women aged 32-81 years were included in the research. Experts looked at computed tomography measures of bone to work out if there were any associations with dairy intake.

Dairy intake had positive associations for men, irrespective of serum vitamin D status.

But other than cream intake (which had a positive association in the cross sectional area of bone) dairy products had no significant impact on women.

Dr Shivani Sahni who is involved in the work comments:

“The results of this study highlight the beneficial role of a combination of dairy foods upon bone health and these beneficial associations remain irrespective of serum vitamin D status in a person.”

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