Research has long shown that dairy’s nutrients are vital to the development of strong bones and reduce the risk for developing rickets and osteoporosis. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis (2004) recognizes the role of nutrients in dairy foods that work together to help protect bones.

See below for fact sheets, educational materials, and research that illustrate how the nutrients in milk, cheese, and yogurt help build strong bones.

Fact Sheets

Dairy's Role in Bone Health Fact Sheet
Dairy's Role in Adolescent Bone Health Fact Sheet
Protein and Bone Health Fact Sheet
Dairy's Role in Women's Health Fact Sheet

Patient Education Materials

Bone Health Tip Sheet
Calcium Assessment Questionnaire
Wanted: Stronger Bones

 Dairy Council Digests

Health Benefits of Dairy Foods: An Update Volume 78, Number 6 November/December 2007
A New Appreciation for Vitamin D Volume 78, Number 2 March/April 2007

Supportive Science

From the Surgeon General: Improving Bone Health
Dairy and Bone Health Research

Links

Take the “Building Bones” quiz
Learn what you can do to prevent osteoporosis
Find out more about staying “bone healthy”