LIFETIME MILK CONSUMPTION AND BONE-MINERAL DENSITY IN OLDER WOMEN

This study examined the relation between lifetime milk consumption and both axial and appendicular bone mineral density in 581 postmenopausa l Whits women. Positive significant, graded associations between milk consumption in adulthood and bane mineral density at the spine, total hip, trochanter, intertrochanter, and midradius, but not the ultradist al wrist or femoral neck, were observed. Adolescent milk consumption s howed similar, statistically significant associations (spine and midra dius). Associations were independent of age, body mass index, years po stmenopausal, thiazide, estrogen and alcohol use, smoking, and exercis e. Regular milk consumption in youth and adulthood is associated with better bone mineral density at cortical and trabecular sites in elderl y women.