The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) has launched its latest topic on the Coffee & Health website: “Bone Health”. Bone health is commonly discussed in the media, and the new topic explores research on the potential impact of coffee consumption on bone mineral density and bone mechanical strength.
A 2002 review1 suggests that there is no overall negative effect of caffeine on bone health, where calcium intakes are adequate. However four more recent meta analyses2,3,4,5 show significant variability in their results. For example, some results suggest no association between coffee consumption and fracture risk whilst others suggest a potential effect in women and elderly participants in particular.
Interactions between coffee components and bone health are unclear. Human studies have suggested that caffeine may impair the efficiency of calcium absorption, increase calcium excretion in urine, and limit the role of vitamin D in bone too1. These effects could reduce bone mineral density and increase the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. However, current data are insufficient to reach a convincing conclusion and further research needs to be conducted.
To read the full bone health topic, click here.
Ask the expert – new podcast
To accompany the launch of this topic, ISIC worked with experts in the field of bone health and nutrition to develop a podcast, and a Q&A resource for HCPs:
The new podcast sees Professor René Rizzoli, Honorary Professor at the University of Geneva’s Department of Internal Medicines Specialties join Dr Trisha Macnair, hospital physician and health journalist, to discuss commonly asked questions and existing research on coffee consumption and bone health. The podcast covers the scale of osteoporosis in Europe and details advice for patients and what dietary and lifestyle factors might have a protective effect. To view the podcast click here.
Questions patients ask – new Q&A
A new Q&A document on the topic of bone health provides a fully referenced fact sheet for HCPs to utilise when seeking to answer questions asked by patients. It covers questions on fracture risk, whether men and women are affected differently, and discusses whether if coffee is caffeinated or decaffeinated makes a difference.
