There is no doubt that calcium plays a very important role in the prevention of osteoporosis. There is a great deal of evidence to suggest that the consumption of calcium-rich foods through childhood, adolescence and prior to menopause will help increase bone density and thus reduce the risk of osteoporosis. However, other nutrient deficiencies can interfere with the deposition of calcium into the bone. Furthermore, a lack of exercise will reduce the normal physiological stimulus to deposit calcium in the bones.
Certain dairy foods are a good source of calcium, however, many people are either allergic or intolerant to dairy and therefore must avoid it in their diet. The consumption of dairy foods by people with an allergy or intolerance to dairy can cause inflammation to the membranes lining the gut wall. There is some evidence that this inflammation can inhibit the absorption of calcium and other nutrients. Therefore, consumption of dairy products in these people may actually contribute to osteoporosis in later life.
There are many foods that contain calcium in a natural, easily assimilated form, that are a sound alternative to dairy. (For more information on these foods, take a look at our article on how to get enough calcium)
