Cow Milk and Adult Health. Dairy news that may surprise you.
There seems to be no benefit to taking calcium supplements or sustaining a high dairy intake to improve bone mass or prevent osteoporosis or osteopenia related hip fractures. It just does not work. In fact higher milk consumption translates to a higher risk of hip fractures (figure 1). The lowest mortality comes from getting your protein source from plants ( next best is poultry and fish) and the highest mortality comes from eating in increasing order unprocessed meats, eggs and processed meats (figure 2).
High milk intake is associated with greater risk of asthma, eczema, anal fissures, in addition to higher risk of breast and prostate cancer, and endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women not taking hormone replacement. It would make sense, if there is a risk for these conditions in your family or these diseases are already present at your home, that you stop consuming cow-related dairy products.
Lastly it is best to get your calcium from sources like kale, spinach, broccoli, tofu, nuts, beans,and fortified OJ, and use a vitamin D3 supplements (I find a dose of 2000 IU per day is best for most)
If you eat dark leafy greens you also get Vitamin K2 which is useful for bone mass.
Be well, Dr. B
Reference: Willett WC and Ludwig DS. New England Journal of Medicine 382(7):644-654. Feb 13, 2020.