Does Coffee Cause Bone Issues?

One of the biggest misconceptions about coffee is that it directly contributes to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a health condition that involves decreasing bone density to cause fragile and brittle bones. This condition is often caused by smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, age, and a lack of calcium. However, one thing to take note of is that the risk factors that cause osteoporosis do not include coffee!

Earlier research found in the 1970s showed that the caffeine content in coffee could cause the body to expel calcium and increase the risk for osteoporosis. However, newer and more extensive medical research has shown this study to be false. It is true that the body will excrete some calcium from caffeine consumption, but it is not significant enough to cause any risk of osteoporosis. The earlier studies regarding coffee and bone health failed to consider other factors, such as women in the study who were already calcium deficient from not drinking milk on a daily basis.

More and more medical professionals are coming to the consensus that regular coffee drinking does not cause a risk of osteoporosis, though excess coffee consumption is not ideal for women who already may be deficient in calcium. One other thing to keep in mind is that 90% coffee drinkers have it with milk or cream, meaning that they are intaking even more calcium in their daily cup of Joe.

The bottom line is that there is no research to prove that coffee or other caffeinated beverages work to lower bone density, which was a common misconception regarding Java. In a 2002 review in the Food and Chemical Toxicology publication, it stated that there is no evidence that caffeine affects bone health for the worse if an individual is already getting his or her daily allowance of calcium.

If you are concerned about osteoporosis, the answer is not to cut out your daily cup of Joe. Instead, focus on getting more calcium, as well as vitamin D within your diet. It is also important to focus on strength training and weight bearing exercises to build bone density. It is not recommended to drink caffeinated coffee in excess, but enjoying coffee in moderation at 2 to 3 cups per day can prevent disease, reduce premature aging, and does not contribute to osteoporosis.

Those most at risk for osteoporosis include females and men over 70, those that do not exercise, individuals with a low vitamin D or calcium intake, smokers, excessive drinkers, those with a genetic history of osteoporosis, those with a very low body weight, or even those with an overactive thyroid. Again, the amount of caffeine that is expelled from the body with regular coffee drinking is in trace amounts that will not affect bone health. The only consideration to take is in avoiding excess coffee drinking, which can cause a number of other issues, like anxiety, insomnia, and heartburn.

Coffee in moderation is a wonderful drink to enjoy on a daily basis if you want to prevent disease and illness, and drink to your health!