Milk doesn't safeguard against osteoporosis

Here's a news article published in timesunion.com on Jan. 2, 2006:

As a dietitian, I know that, contrary to a recent letter, drinking milk is not a healthy or effective way to prevent osteoporosis ("Milk plays an important role in good health," Dec. 21).   According to a recent review of the role of dairy or dietary calcium and bone health in children and young adults, the majority of scientific studies on this topic found no relationship between dairy or dietary calcium intake and measures of bone health. And in a 12-year Harvard study of 78,000 adult women, those who drank milk three times a day actually broke more bones than women who rarely drank milk.

Studies have shown that physical activity has a positive impact on bone health.

Here in the United States, our level of dairy product consumption is among the highest in the world, yet our osteoporosis and fracture rates are also among the highest.  But science shows that we can build strong bones and healthy bodies by adopting healthier diets, including plant-based sources of calcium-and increasing physical activity.

SUSAN LEVIN
Staff Dietitian
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Washington, D.C.

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