Consumption of dairy products paired with vitamin D pills may help combat bone loss

Consumption of dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt along with Vitamin D supplements may protect against bone loss among older adults, researchers including one of Indian origin have claimed.

Researchers found that vitamin D stimulates calcium absorption, which is beneficial for building bones and preventing bone loss overtime.

The findings, by researchers including those from University of Massachusetts Lowell in the US, could lead to better care for people over 50 years of age diagnosed with osteoporosis, a disease characterised by low bone mass and progressive deterioration of bone tissue.

For those affected, osteoporosis can lead to increased risk of fracture, loss of physical function, decreased quality of life, and even death, researchers said.

“This study is significant because in addition to milk intake, it also examined the association of other dairy foods such as yogurt, cheese and cream with bone mineral density and bone loss over time,” said Shivani Sahni from Hebrew SeniorLife, a US-based nonprofit organisation.

“Furthermore, this study clarified that the association of dairy foods with bone density is dependent on adequate vitamin D intake. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these findings using serum vitamin D concentrations,” Sahni added. The study was published in The Journal of Nutrition.