Researchers from Flinders University have uncovered further evidence suggesting that coffee and tea may have different effects on bone health among older women.
The study, published in Nutrients, followed almost 10,000 women aged 65 and above over a 10-year period. Scientists examined whether regular coffee and tea consumption changed bone mineral density (BMD), a key measure of osteoporosis risk.
The Global Impact of Osteoporosis on Older Women
Osteoporosis is a significant global health concern, particularly among older adults. Approximately one in three women over the age of 50 develops the condition, which causes millions of fractures each year. Because billions of people around the world drink coffee and tea every day, even small effects on bone health could have significant public health implications. Earlier studies have reported inconsistent results, while only a limited number of investigations have monitored participants over such an extended period
The researchers at Flinders University analyzed information collected from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. They regularly examined the participants’ coffee and tea consumption and measured bone mineral density (BMD) in the hip and femoral neck, two important areas associated with the risk of fractures.
Throughout the 10-year follow-up period, the women provided regular information about the amount of coffee and tea they consumed. The research team also employed sophisticated imaging techniques to track changes in their bone density over time.
Tea Consumption May Support Stronger Bones
The findings indicated that women who consumed tea had slightly greater overall hip BMD compared with women who did not drink tea. Although the difference was relatively modest, it was statistically significant and could have meaningful effects when applied to large populations.
According to Adjunct Associate Professor Enwu Liu of the College of Medicine and Public Health, even minor increases in bone density may help reduce the number of fractures when considered across large groups of people.
Coffee appeared to have a more complex relationship with bone health. Women who consumed moderate amounts of coffee, around two to three cups per day, did not experience negative effects on bone density. In contrast, women who consumed more than five cups daily showed lower BMD, indicating that excessive coffee intake may potentially have adverse effects on bones.
The researchers also found that the association varied according to other health and lifestyle characteristics. Women who had consumed greater amounts of alcohol over their lifetime appeared to experience stronger negative associations between coffee consumption and bone health. Meanwhile, the potential positive effects of tea were more noticeable among women with obesity.
Ryan Liu, a co-author of the study, explained that tea contains compounds known as catechins, which may support the formation of new bone tissue while helping reduce the rate at which existing bone is broken down.
Caffeine and Its Potential Effects on Bone Health
According to Ryan Liu from Flinders University, laboratory research suggests that caffeine in coffee may affect calcium absorption and bone metabolism. However, these effects appear to be relatively minor and may be reduced by consuming coffee with milk.
Adjunct Associate Professor Enwu Liu explains that the study’s findings indicate that drinking tea regularly may be a simple way to help maintain bone health as people grow older.
He notes that moderate coffee consumption does not appear to pose a significant problem, but consuming very large amounts of coffee may be less beneficial, particularly among women who also have a history of alcohol consumption.
The researchers stress that the differences identified in the study were relatively small. Although the results reached statistical significance, the effects were not substantial enough to recommend major changes to an individual’s usual drinking habits.
Moderate Tea Intake May Benefit Bone Health
Professor Liu emphasizes that the findings should not be interpreted as a reason to completely avoid coffee or consume excessive amounts of tea. Instead, they suggest that moderate tea intake may provide a straightforward way to support bone health, while very high coffee consumption may be worth limiting, especially for women who drink alcohol.
Calcium and vitamin D continue to be essential components of maintaining strong bones, but beverages such as coffee and tea may also have an influence. For older women, having a cup of tea each day could therefore be more than simply an enjoyable habit—it may provide a small additional contribution to maintaining stronger bones.
Ryan Yan Liu and Enwu Liu authored the study, titled “Longitudinal Association of Coffee and Tea Consumption with Bone Mineral Density in Older Women: A 10-Year Repeated-Measures Analysis in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures,” and published their findings in the journal Nutrients.
Read the original article on: sciencedaily
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