Evidence supporting the use of: Skim Milk
For the health condition: Osteoporosis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Skim milk is commonly recommended as part of dietary strategies to support bone health and manage osteoporosis, primarily due to its calcium and vitamin D content—nutrients essential for bone mineralization. Numerous observational and some interventional studies indicate that adequate dietary calcium intake can help reduce bone loss and may modestly lower fracture risk, especially in populations with previously low calcium intake. Skim milk provides a relatively high amount of calcium (about 300 mg per cup) and protein, without the saturated fat found in whole milk, making it a practical choice for individuals seeking to limit calorie or fat intake while supporting bone health.

However, the overall quality of evidence is moderate. While increased calcium intake through diet or supplementation does increase bone mineral density (BMD) modestly, the reduction in actual fracture risk is less clear, particularly in community-dwelling adults with adequate baseline intake. Furthermore, milk is only one of many dietary calcium sources, and osteoporosis prevention and treatment are multifactorial, involving other nutrients, physical activity, and medication when appropriate. There is no evidence that skim milk offers unique benefits for osteoporosis over other low-fat dairy products or calcium sources.

In summary, the use of skim milk to support osteoporosis is grounded in scientific understanding of nutrition and bone health, but the strength of evidence for its impact on clinical outcomes like fracture risk is moderate (3/5).

More about Skim Milk
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Products containing Skim Milk

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.