Many studies have linked coffee consumption to health benefits such as improvement in liver health. On the other hand, there are fears that coffee consumption may contribute to weaker bones. In order to uncover whether or not coffee is safe for bones, a review was conducted.
Coffee consumption is a known risk factor for osteoporosis as it can deplete the bones of calcium. The study, which was published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, found that coffee did not increase the risk of fractures or falls among older adults as long as they were healthy and had adequate calcium in their diet and bones. But this doesn’t mean that coffee still isn’t a threat among those with weak bones already.
Project officer of the study review Alison Kretser explained, “When calcium levels in the body are adequate, caffeine does not cause adverse effects related to bone health. Our study found that there was no significant impact associated with intake of less than 400mg of caffeine (about 4 cups of coffee) per day on fracture and fall rates, bone mineral density and osteoporosis, or altered calcium homeostasis, particularly under conditions of adequate calcium intake.”
Some setbacks were that the study focused on healthy older adults, so coffee’s effects on individuals who have weak bones or other health problems are unknown.
The average daily consumption of coffee in America is around 165 mg, which falls far below the threshold of 400 mg. This is good news because it means that you can still enjoy your favorite beverage without the fear of weakening bones.
It is important to note that the review only looked at healthy individuals. If you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis or are at risk for it, speak to your doctor about whether or not drinking coffee is safe.