Lifetime milk consumption and bone mineral density in older women.

This study examined the relationship between lifetime milk consumption both axial and appendicular bone mineral density in 581 postmenopausal White women. Positive significant, graded associations between milk consumption in adulthood and bone mineral density at the spine, total hip, trochanter, intertrochanter, and midradius, but not the ultradistal wrist or femoral neck, were observed. Adolescent milk consumption showed similar, statistically significant associations (spine and midradius). Associations were independent of age, body mass index, years postmenopausal, thiazide, estrogen and alcohol use, smoking, and exercise. Regular milk consumption in youth and adulthood is associated with better bone mineral density at cortical and trabecular sites in elderly women.