21 Oct 2019
4 min read
Elderly Bone health

Yogurt is associated with stronger bones and better physical function in older people

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“Yogurt and other dairy products are recommended for bone health in dietary guidelines around the world” is one of the 10 evidence-based conclusions made by the YINI board about the health effects of yogurt… learn more below.

Yogurt is associated with stronger bones and better physical function in older people

Increasing yogurt consumption could be a convenient way of improving the nutritional status and health of older adults, including their bone health.
The association between yogurt consumption and bone health was investigated in a study of people aged over 60 years. Results showed:

  • Women who frequently ate yogurt (more than one serving/day) had stronger bones than those who rarely or never ate yogurt (less than one serving/ week). Total hip and femoral neck bone mineral density was 3.1–3.9% higher among frequent yogurt consumers.
  • In men, high-yogurt consumers were found to have 12.9% higher mean vitamin D concentrations than low/non-consumers. A protective effect on bone was also suggested by changes in levels of a marker for osteoclasts – bone cells involved in the maintenance and repair of bone.
  • Compared with low-/non-consumers, women who often ate yogurt had better scores for daily living activities and physical self-maintenance.

Yogurt may reduce the risk of hip fracture

Available evidence suggests that yogurt is linked to a lower risk of hip fracture in older adults.

A meta-analysis reported that a higher intake of yogurt was associated with a 25% reduction in hip fracture risk when compared with low intake.

A recent study in middle-aged and elderly Swedish women showed that low intake of fermented milk products (yogurt and soured milk) was linked to high rates of hip fracture.

Hip fracture rates were lowest among women with a high intake of fermented milk products in combination with a high intake of fruit and vegetables.

Yogurt could reduce the risk of osteoporosis

In people over the age of 60 years, statistical modelling of yogurt intake and bone health predicted that each increase of one  serving per week of yogurt intake was associated with a 39% lower risk of osteoporosis in women and a 52% lower risk in men.
Encouraging older people to eat yogurt more often, particularly vitamin D- and calcium-fortified yogurt, may be a valuable public health strategy to stave off osteoporosis.

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