Including dairy products, like milk, cheese and yogurt to your menu when you’re dieting helps ensure that you’re not losing bone density along with the pounds.  Dairy’s role in preventing osteoporosis, strengthening bones and providing calcium and other essential nutrients has long been established and lauded by the nutrition and science community.  Dairy foods help to build your bone bank, which research shows plays an important role in helping reduce osteoporosis risk. A research review in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition examined 138 studies exploring the relationship between bone health and calcium intake and found overwhelming evidence that lifelong calcium intake is one of the most significant factors for reducing the risk of fracture due to osteoporosis.

Heaney, R.P.  Calcium, dairy products and osteoporosis.  Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2000; 19: 83S-99S.