Dairy and Exercise for Bone Health: Evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials and Recommendations for Future Research

To examine evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on how modifiable factors such as exercise and nutrition, with a focus on dairy products, play a role in improving bone health across the lifespan.

Meta-analyses of RCTs demonstrate the advantages of consuming dairy products to improve bone mineral density/content (BMD/BMC) and markers of bone metabolism and turnover (BTMs). Eighteen RCTs were conducted investigating the combined effects of dairy and exercise, with most indicating a benefit in youth and adult populations. Results were less conclusive in older adults, perhaps due to altered requirements for dairy/nutrients and exercise with increased age.  

RCTs demonstrate that dairy product consumption alone benefits bone health and can enhance the effects of exercise on bone. This may help improve skeletal growth and development in adolescence and prevent osteoporosis with increased age. Future RCTs should account for habitual nutrient intakes, and dairy dosage, timing, and matrix effects.