Flinders University study links excessive coffee to lower bone density

A decade-long study conducted by researchers at Flinders University has identified a link between high coffee consumption and decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in older women. The research, published in the journal Nutrients, tracked approximately 10,000 women aged 65 and older to monitor changes in the hip and femoral neck, areas critical for assessing osteoporosis and fracture risk.

The findings indicate that moderate coffee consumption, defined as two to three cups per day, showed no significant negative impact on bone health. However, women consuming more than five cups daily exhibited lower bone density. This negative correlation was notably more pronounced in women with high lifetime alcohol consumption.

In contrast, tea consumption was associated with a slight but statistically significant increase in hip bone mineral density. While the numerical difference was modest, researchers noted that such improvements could potentially reduce fracture rates across large populations. The study suggests that compounds like catechins in tea may support bone formation, whereas caffeine in coffee may influence calcium absorption.