Rethinking Milk and Bone Health: What Thai Families Should Know
New research challenges the long-held belief that milk alone guarantees strong bones. While milk provides calcium and protein, evidence suggests fermented dairy and overall lifestyle patterns—including exercise—play a crucial role in long-term bone strength. For Thai families, this means balancing dairy choices with culturally familiar foods and practical strategies for all ages.
Calcium remains the central talking point. A cup of milk delivers about 300 mg of calcium, along with other nutrients. Yet large, long-term studies show that modest bone density gains from calcium supplements do not consistently translate into fewer fractures for the general population. Sustaining higher calcium intake over time appears necessary to maintain benefits, highlighting that calcium is an important piece of a bigger puzzle.