A fresh study conducted by researchers at Flinders University offers valuable insights into the potential impacts of two popular beverages—coffee and tea—on bone health among older women.
This research, which appeared in the esteemed journal Nutrients, involved tracking almost 10,000 women over the age of 65 for a full decade. The goal was to determine any links between habitual consumption of coffee or tea and variations in bone mineral density (BMD), a key indicator for evaluating the risk of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a widespread condition that impacts approximately one-third of women beyond the age of 50, resulting in countless fractures annually worldwide. Given that coffee and tea form part of the everyday habits for billions globally, it is crucial to explore their prolonged influence on skeletal integrity. Earlier research has produced mixed results, and very few investigations have observed such an extensive cohort over a complete ten-year span.
Study Methodology and Extended Monitoring
The Flinders University team drew data from the comprehensive Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. They incorporated multiple assessments of participants’ beverage consumption alongside BMD measurements focused on the hip and femoral neck—regions particularly relevant to fracture susceptibility.
Over the course of the ten years, the women consistently provided details on their daily intake of coffee and tea. Concurrently, their bone density levels were meticulously evaluated using state-of-the-art imaging technologies to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Positive Effects of Tea on Bone Density
The findings revealed that women who regularly consumed tea exhibited modestly elevated BMD in the total hip area compared to non-tea drinkers. While the increase was not substantial in magnitude, it achieved statistical significance, suggesting potential public health relevance on a broader scale.
“Such incremental gains in bone density hold the potential to substantially reduce fracture incidences when applied across sizable populations,” explained Adjunct Associate Professor Enwu Liu from the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University.
Coffee Intake and Its Potential Drawbacks for Bones
The outcomes regarding coffee consumption displayed greater nuance. Drinking a moderate amount—around two to three cups daily—did not correlate with any adverse effects on BMD. In contrast, exceeding five cups per day was associated with diminished bone density, pointing to possible detrimental impacts from excessive coffee intake on skeletal robustness.
Notably, women with elevated lifetime alcohol consumption seemed especially susceptible to the downsides of heavy coffee drinking. On the other hand, tea’s protective advantages were more pronounced among those with obesity.
Co-author Ryan Liu highlighted that tea contains beneficial catechins, which are bioactive compounds known to potentially stimulate bone-building processes and mitigate bone degradation over time.
“In comparison, the caffeine in coffee has demonstrated, through various lab experiments, an ability to disrupt calcium uptake and alter bone metabolism dynamics. That said, these influences are generally minor and can often be counteracted by incorporating milk into the beverage,” added Ryan Liu from Flinders University.
Actionable Advice for Women in Later Life
Adjunct Associate Professor Enwu Liu emphasized that incorporating tea into daily routines could serve as a straightforward strategy to bolster bone health during the aging process.
“Moderate coffee consumption seems harmless for most, but excessively high amounts might pose risks, particularly for those who also consume alcohol,” he advised.
The investigators stressed that although the observed differences carry statistical weight, they are not so profound as to necessitate radical shifts in personal habits.
“This doesn’t imply that anyone should abandon coffee entirely or drown themselves in tea,” noted Associate Professor Liu. “Rather, it indicates that opting for moderate amounts of tea might offer a practical boost to bone health, while steering clear of very heavy coffee intake could be wise, especially alongside alcohol use.”
Essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D continue to form the foundation of maintaining strong bones. However, the contents of one’s daily beverage can contribute meaningfully as well. For women navigating their later years, savoring a cup of tea each day transcends mere comfort—it may represent a subtle yet effective measure toward enhanced bone resilience, as Associate Professor Liu concluded.
Research Funding Details
The underlying Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) was funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), supported via specific grants including AG05407, AR35582, AG05394, AR35584, and AR35583.
