In November 2019 researchers from Australia published the results of their study to assess the association between milk and total dairy consumption and osteoporotic fracture in women. A total of 833 women, aged over 50 years, were involved in the study and followed up until the date of their first fracture or for a maximum of 24 years, whichever came first. Information on dairy consumption (milk, cheese, yoghurt, ice cream) was self-reported at the start of the study and during the follow-up period. During follow-up 206 women experienced an osteoporotic fracture (hip, forearm, spine and humerus) which was confirmed via x-ray. Results showed that consuming 500+ mL/day of milk was not significantly associated with increased risk for an osteoporotic fracture. However, non-milk drinkers and those consuming 800+ g/day or more total dairy appeared to have a slightly higher risk for an osteoporotic fracture when compared to those consuming under 250 mL/day of milk and 200-399 g/day of dairy. In addition, a higher milk consumption appeared to be associated with a lower C-reactive protein although total dairy consumption appeared to have no effect on this inflammatory marker.
Aslam H et al. Association between dairy intake and fracture in an Australian-based cohort of women: a prospective study. BMJ Open. 2019 Nov 21;9(11):e031594