Western Dairy Association

By 2020, half of all Americans over age 50 will be at increased risk for fractures from osteoporosis and low bone mass if no immediate steps are taken, according to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis. Additionally, research shows that adolescents and children in the United States aren’t getting enough bone-building nutrients in their daily diets, putting them at risk for fractures now and osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become weak and more likely to break, later in life.

The good news is that Americans of all ages can take simple steps now to help build and maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

According to government statistics, nearly nine out of 10 women and almost four out of 10 men fall short of calcium recommendations. Furthermore, nearly three-quarters of children ages 9-19 fail to get the recommended three daily servings of dairy. Milk and dairy products are the richest food source of calcium available. Three servings a day for adults and four servings for teenagers and adults over 50 would help solve America’s calcium crisis.

During childhood and adolescence, more bone is deposited so the skeleton grows in both size and density. Up to 90 percent of peak bone mass is acquired by age 18 in girls and age 20 in boys, which makes youth the best time to “invest” in bone health.

The amount of bone tissue in the skeleton, known as bone mass, can keep growing until around age 30. At that point, bones have reached their maximum strength and density, known as peak bone mass.

Getting the recommended amounts of milk and dairy products in your diet may help prevent osteoporosis and low bone mass, which currently affect about 55 percent of Americans age 50 and older.