A new study from Flinders University suggests that daily tea or coffee consumption may affect osteoporosis risk in women over 65. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 9,700 US women, finding that regular tea drinkers had slightly higher bone mineral density (BMD) in the hip, while high coffee intake (more than five cups daily) was associated with lower BMD.
Osteoporosis and Women’s Health
Osteoporosis is a significant health concern for older women, affecting roughly one in three after age 50. The disease weakens bones, making them brittle and prone to fractures. This is largely due to declining estrogen levels after menopause, which reduces bone metabolism. The condition is treatable, but prevention is key.
The Study Findings
The research team tracked the women’s beverage habits over a decade using self-reported surveys. They also measured BMD in the hip and femur using X-ray scans.
- Tea’s Benefit: Women who drank tea regularly showed slightly higher hip BMD. Researchers believe this could be due to catechins, compounds found in tea that may stimulate bone-building cells. The effect was particularly noticeable in obese women.
- Coffee’s Risk: High coffee consumption (over five cups daily) correlated with lower BMD, potentially because caffeine interferes with calcium absorption.
- Synergistic Effect: The study also found that coffee and alcohol together may further reduce bone health.
Why This Matters
The findings don’t suggest abandoning coffee, but they highlight how seemingly small lifestyle choices can impact bone health. For older women, moderate tea consumption may be a simple way to support stronger bones. Calcium and vitamin D remain crucial for bone density, but beverage choices could play a role.
Limitations and Next Steps
The study population was predominantly white, limiting the generalizability of the results to other demographics. Further research is needed to confirm these findings across diverse populations.
In conclusion, while not definitive, this study adds to the growing body of evidence that dietary habits can significantly affect long-term health, especially as women age. The findings suggest that a daily cup of tea might offer a small but meaningful benefit to bone health.
