Cola consumption lowers bone density, according to new study

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Women who drink cola beverages could be at increased risk of osteoporosis.
Previous research has suggested that consumption of cola beverages can decrease bone mineral density and therefore put women at risk of osteoporosis. It's been believed this might be because they are drinking cola instead of milk and therefore missing out on calcium. Certainly there has been a more than threefold increase in cola consumption between 1960 and 1990.

Researchers at Tufts University now report on data from the Framingham Osteoporosis Study covering more than 2,500 people of average age 60. Among women, cola consumption was linked to a decreased bone density and three different sites on the hips. These women did not have a lowered intake of milk, although they were still somewhat short on calcium consumption. Other carbonated beverages did not contribute to increased osteoporosis risk and cola did not increase the risk among men.

The researchers wonder whether the phosphoric acid in cola may contribute to the osteoporosis risk. Of course, other foods contain more phosphorus, but it may be that the form in cola - phosphoric acid - is deleterious to bone health because it is not neutralized by the presence of calcium. In this study, average cola consumption was five to six drinks a week. Those consuming a lot of cola drank less fruit juice so this might be an indicator of decreased consumption of fruit and vegetables generally. An occasional cola won't damage your bone health, say the experts. But those who are concerned about their osteoporosis risk might want to avoid excessive cola consumption.

Source
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition October 2006 Volume 84 Number 4