Flinders University study links high coffee intake to lower bone density

A ten-year study conducted by researchers at Flinders University and published in the journal Nutrients suggests a link between high coffee consumption and lower bone mineral density (BMD) in older, postmenopausal women.

Analyzing data from 9,704 women aged 65 and older, researchers found that consuming more than five cups of coffee per day was associated with reduced BMD in the hip and femoral neck. In contrast, regular tea consumption was associated with higher total hip bone density. Researchers noted that catechins found in tea may promote bone formation and slow bone loss.

Moderate coffee consumption, defined as approximately two to three cups per day, showed no negative impact on bone health. The study also highlighted that the association between coffee and lower BMD was more significant among women with higher alcohol intake, while the protective benefits of tea were more pronounced in women with obesity.