Can drinking milk treat osteoporosis?
Nov 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
In general, whether drinking milk can treat osteoporosis depends on the specific situation. For individuals with healthy bones who only need prevention, relying on milk consumption is unnecessary. However, after an osteoporosis diagnosis, drinking milk becomes an important supportive measure. To prevent and improve osteoporosis, attention should be paid to daily care. In addition to consuming milk in moderation, one should maintain regular physical activity and get adequate sun exposure to promote calcium absorption.
Generally speaking, whether drinking milk can treat osteoporosis depends on the specific situation. When bone health is good and prevention is the only concern, there's no need to rely on drinking milk; however, after an osteoporosis diagnosis, drinking milk becomes an important supportive measure. The detailed analysis is as follows:
If bones are healthy and the goal is merely daily prevention of osteoporosis, it is unnecessary to solely depend on drinking milk for nutritional supplementation. A balanced diet including soy products and dark green vegetables, combined with moderate exercise, can sufficiently meet the body's basic calcium needs for bone health.
After an osteoporosis diagnosis, when significant calcium loss from bones has occurred, drinking milk becomes a key supportive approach. Milk is rich in easily absorbable calcium and vitamin D, which directly supply essential nutrients to the bones, helping slow down bone mass loss. When combined with standard medical treatment, it can enhance therapeutic outcomes.
To prevent and improve osteoporosis, attention should be paid to daily care. In addition to drinking milk appropriately, individuals should maintain regular physical activity, get adequate sun exposure to promote calcium absorption, reduce high-salt and high-sugar diets that may interfere with calcium metabolism, and comprehensively protect bone health.
