Can Too Much Coffee Weaken Your Bones? Study Reveals What You Need to Know
New Delhi: Starting the day with a cup of coffee is a daily habit for millions of people. While moderate coffee consumption did not appear to have a clear negative effect on bone health in a recent study, researchers found a possible link between very high coffee intake and lower bone mineral density in older women.
The study found that women who consumed more than five cups of coffee a day had lower bone mineral density. In comparison, women who regularly drank tea showed slightly better bone density in the hip.
Study Followed Nearly 10,000 Women for 10 Years
Researchers from Flinders University in Australia analysed the health data of nearly 10,000 women over a period of around 10 years.
The study, published in the journal Nutrients, examined whether long-term coffee and tea consumption was associated with changes in bone health.
Researchers found no clear evidence of harm among women who consumed around two to three cups of coffee a day. However, lower bone mineral density was observed among those consuming more than five cups daily.
Tea Drinkers Showed Slightly Better Hip Bone Density
The researchers specifically assessed bone density in areas including the hip and upper thigh. Weakening of these bones with age can increase the risk of fractures.
Women who regularly consumed tea had slightly higher total hip bone mineral density compared with those who did not drink tea. Although the difference was relatively small, the association was considered significant in the study's analysis.
Researchers suggested that natural compounds found in tea, including catechins, could potentially play a role in bone health. However, further research is needed to understand the relationship.
Link Was Stronger Among Women With Higher Alcohol Consumption
Another interesting finding was that the association between high coffee consumption and lower bone density was not the same for every woman.
The link appeared to be stronger among women who had consumed higher amounts of alcohol over their lifetime.
Among women with obesity, the positive association between tea consumption and better bone density appeared relatively stronger.
Can Caffeine Affect Calcium Absorption?
According to the researchers, caffeine may influence calcium absorption in the body and bone metabolism. However, the effect may be relatively small and can depend on a person's overall diet and lifestyle.
Adding milk to coffee can increase calcium intake, although this does not necessarily eliminate the potential effects associated with excessive coffee consumption.
The study does not mean that people need to stop drinking coffee altogether. Instead, those who consume very large amounts may want to monitor their intake and ensure they get adequate calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients important for bone health.
People with concerns about osteoporosis or bone density should consult a healthcare professional.
