Is Milk Consumption Related to Bone Fractures - Research Paper Example

? Is Milk Consumption Related To Bone Fractures? First Affiliation Is Milk Consumption Related To Bone Fractures? The research topic in this case is whether there exists the risk of getting bone fracture from the consumption of milk. There has always been the notion that by consumption of milk an individual is able to get enough calcium and protect themselves from getting osteoporosis. The main question in this case is whether this notion or conclusion is indeed true. There are numerous suggestions that come up showing that milk does not protect against this disease. In actual sense, it is brought out as a causative agent (Nelson, 2010). This is the revelation which is realized despite the fact that there are numerous advertisements and calls for increased consumption of milk. Research has indeed proven that the individuals in countries that have the highest consumption of milk are the ones that suffer most from osteoporosis. Examples in this case include England, The United States and Sweden. On the contrary, in countries where people consume less dairy food and animal proteins, the individuals therein are less likely to suffer from osteoporosis. Examples of such countries are Japan and China. Over the years there have been several research programs which are aimed at pointing out the detriments or benefits which are realized as a result of consumption of milk. The general conclusion which was reached was that there is no relationship between milk consumption and the prevention of osteoporosis. In this case, it was established that in the event of low calcium consumption, there was no significant risk that could be realized in the case of any fracture, hip fracture or osteoporotic fracture for that matter (Nelson, 2010). These conclusions are so damning and very much in contravention to popular belief. In this case it has always been seen that milk is important for the purpose of building better bones in people. This even raises the question of whether young children should be given milk in the course of their development. In the recent past, some scientists have come up to speak in relation to the issue. according to them, Americans should be given less calcium and they should be made to adhere to strict guidelines in relation in relation to the diets. The popular practice of giving a child or any person for that matter a glass of milk is not seen as the best option in this case. The federal government is one of the institutions which is for the idea of consumption of dairy products. This is very well seen in the dietary guidelines which were released. According to these guidelines, a normal person older than 8 years is supposed to drink at least 3 cups of milk which is of low fat in nature. There is a reason behind this. The government holds it that the consumption of milk in this case is significantly important for the prevention of osteoporosis, a disease which makes the bones porous and for that matter easily break. However, in the recent past it has come to be realized that the notion the federal government had in this case may have been misinformed. This is especially bearing in mind that there has been a rise in the cases that are related to osteoporosis. Researchers on the other hand have come up with another conclusion which is very much opposite to the expectations of the federal government. In this case, researchers see it that frequent exercise and intake of vitamins D and K are more significant as compared to milk consumption (Nelson, 2010). However, it seems the population is not ready and willing to let go of the habit of protein consumption. In fact, it is predicted that by the year 2020, one out of every two Americans who is older than the age of 50 years will be at greater risk to suffer from osteoporosis. If this is not the case, then it is predicted that the same person may suffer from low bone mass. In the present society, more women have osteoporosis in comparison to men. Out of the estimated 10 million individuals who are seen to have the disease, a significant percentage of this is seen to comprise of women. What is even more damning is that an expected 34 million are expected to contact the disease in the near future (Nelson, 2010). In quite a number of countries the issue of osteoporosis seem to be something which has been given considerable attention. The United Kingdom is an example of such a country. In the recent times, the number of bone fractures has been seen to increase (Kerstetter, et al. 2011). The figures that are brought up in this case are quite staggering. It is estimated that close to 200,000 cases of fractures are reported daily in the United Kingdom. Out of all the cases that are reported, an estimated 85% of all the cases are those that relate to women. Once again the issue of women and the effect of calcium on their general health. In as much as there are various repercussions that are associated with the consumption of milk, there are those which may be of significant influence and due care has to be taken lest the health of the individuals in question deteriorates significantly (Kerstetter, et al. 2011). It has come to be seen that the level of calcium in teenage girls is significantly low in comparison to other girls in other nations. One of the significant contributing factors in this case is the government legislation which was passed in the 1970s. This particular piece of legislation curtailed the supplying of milk to children who are in school. What this implies is that the young population in the United Kingdom is not consuming calcium up to the expected levels for a normal child. Significantly, it is also worth noting that the consumption of milk in most of the houses in the United Kingdom has significantly reduced in the recent past. It is worth noting that there are some elements in the body which are dependent on the calcium intake, to a greater extent. The body mass is an example in this case. It is indeed important to consume calcium. However, this consumption ought to be done moderately. This is because of the various repercussions which may be realized if a lot of this calcium is consumed. In the case of the children in the United Kingdom, the consumption of calcium on their part is significantly lower than expected. This is the reason why it is encouraged that these children should supplement the calcium in their bodies in a more moderate way. These health revelations have some impacts on the stakeholders who are involved in the milk industries. The farmers and dairy firms are in question in this case. The increased awareness on the part of the population seems to be having significant effects on some of their sales. In some places the sales of milk seem to have slumped further in the recent past. The prices of the product have also reduced. Take the case of California for example. It is now seen that the residents in this region are paying less for milk products as compared the past. The reason for this reduction in the prices is with the realization that milk seems to be a product which is doing more harm than good to the health of individuals (Kerstetter, et al. 2011). As such, fewer people are purchasing the product. If indeed they are purchasing the product, then they are doing so in significantly low quantities. In this same case, it is worth noting that there are other anti-milk campaigns which are coming up for the purpose of raising awareness of issues that are related to milk and its health hazards. An example in this case is the anti-dairy advertising campaign which is run by the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine. This is an advertisement which is run based on the elements of truth that is related to science and not just for the purpose of making financial gain or profits. The discussions which have been presented above are very instrumental in pointing out the issues that are related to milk and the human health. The health campaigns which are run currently are beneficial in the sense that they will help people live more healthy lives (Donatelle, 2005). References Donatelle, Rebecca. (2005). Health, The Basics. 6th ed. San Francisco: Pearson Education, Inc. Kerstetter, J. E.; Kenny, A. M.; Insogna, K. L. (2011). "Dietary protein and skeletal health: A review of recent human research". Current Opinion in Lipidolog’ Nelson, Jeff (2010). New Study: Increased milk intake does NOT protect against osteoporosis (but does promote ovarian and prostate cancers) VegSource Read More