The publication of a Swedish study on the relationship between the consumption of dairy products and the appearance of fractures cast doubt on the interest of consuming milk to protect one’s bones. And for good reason ! Since in these women aged 39 to 74 at the start and followed for 20 years, the broken bones were more frequent in those who consumed milk and less frequent in those who took other dairy products (yogurts, cheeses). It is therefore difficult to draw conclusions. Especially since the consumption of milk in Scandinavia has nothing to do with ours: few adults in France drink three glasses of milk daily as was the case for these women. And in these northern countries, “dairy products are supplemented with vitamin A, the excess of which is bad for the bones”, pointed out Professor Reginster. For Professor Bernard Cortet, the greater frequency of neck fractures in Scandinavia cannot in any case be explained solely by the consumption of milk or other dairy products because many other factors are involved.
It is in adolescence that the strength of the bones is played out
Bone density acquired in late adolescence plays a 60% role in protecting against later osteoporotic fractures. And studies have shown that by optimizing the daily consumption of dairy products (two more glasses of milk) for 2 years in the pre-puberty period (around 10 years old), bone mass increases by 10%. Eating cheese and drinking milk when it is digested, therefore remain advised by specialists, worried about seeing so often the soda replace hot chocolate at snack time.
What matters is the calcium
Calcium is the mineral constituent of bone. We lose it every day in urine, stool and perspiration, so we must consume it regularly. Of course, it’s not just found in dairy products, but it’s one of the easiest ways to get enough of it. And whatever its source, dietary calcium is always better absorbed than “medicated” calcium. Provided, in both cases, that the level of vitamin D, essential for the intestinal absorption of calcium, is sufficient. .
But this is not enough
Consuming calcium is not enough to avoid osteoporosis and its complications, which are wrist fractures, vertebrae and later the neck of the femur. Because calcium only plays a part in the occurrence of these accidents. More than 50% comes from genetics, even if there is no gene for osteoporosis, and bone mass acquired in adolescence. If it is good at 50, the bone loss caused by the cessation of hormonal secretion at menopause will not have unfortunate consequences on the bones.
Starting to drink milk at menopause is not necessarily a good idea
For Professor Reginster, this advice is inappropriate for women who have not drunk milk for a long time. Because, like many adults, they have probably lost the enzyme (lactase) that allows them to digest it properly. It is better that they find their source of calcium elsewhere (yogurt, cheese, pulses, tofu, mineral water…). And don’t forget another important protective factor: physical exercise. Three times 20 minutes of walking a day is sufficient. This requires good muscles and therefore a correct intake of protein found in meat, eggs, legumes and … milk!
Read also
– Osteoporosis: milk does not protect against fractures
– Menopause: the right anti-osteoporosis diet
– Osteoporosis: what we do not always know
