Heidi stated that there is an "increased risk for osteoporosis in milk
drinking societies".  This may be true, but milk drinking probably isn't the
only cause.   An overall high protein diet and other lifestyle and dietary
factors are more likely to be the cause (with or without milk).  High
protein intake *can* increase the amount of calcium excreted in the urine,
and thus increase the risk of osteoporosis.  However, milk is not the
magical good or bad food that contributes to osteoporosis.  There are
many other diet and lifestyle choices that *all* have an influence.
Balance is important, and it is possible to achieve that balance with or
without milk in the diet.

Debi VanderMey Barr, MS, RD, LD
Portland, Oregon