Analysis of the frequency of consumption of dairy foods as a source of calcium in women in the age group of 19 to 30 years: a prospective observational and cross-sectional study

Throughout a woman's life, the amount of calcium needed by her body changes, and in adulthood, this value is relatively lower than in adolescence and post-menopause. Even so, considering that bones are stores of calcium, consumption of the nutrient in adulthood is essential to avoid future problems such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of consumption of dairy products rich in calcium, by adult women between 19 and 30 years old in the city of Catanduva, Brazil. A descriptive cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 114 volunteers. The frequency of consumption of milk and dairy products in the last 12 months was measured through an anonymous questionnaire via “google forms”. It was found that among the most consumed dairy foods are cheese, but most calcium-rich foods are never eaten by the women in the study. The low calcium intake can be explained by the increase in the financial cost of dairy products on the market and by the presence of women who are lactose intolerant. Therefore, the consumption of dairy foods must be encouraged among women, while alternatives must be thought of so that the consumption of calcium, of medicinal importance, is not affected by the prices of dairy products on the market or by the presence or absence of diseases related to lactose.