Flinders University study links high coffee intake to lower bone density

A long-term study by Flinders University, published in the journal Nutrients, has identified a link between high coffee consumption and lower bone mineral density (BMD) in women aged 65 and older. The research followed nearly 10,000 women over a ten-year period to assess the impact of beverage habits on the risk of osteoporosis.

The findings indicate that moderate coffee consumption—approximately two to three cups per day—does not appear to negatively affect bone health. However, women consuming more than five cups daily showed lower BMD at the hip and femoral neck. Researchers suggest that caffeine may interfere with calcium absorption.

In contrast, regular tea consumption was associated with slightly higher bone mineral density in the hip. Scientists believe the catechins found in tea may support bone formation and help slow bone degradation. The study highlights that while the differences are relatively small, they may have significant implications for fracture prevention in large populations.