By A recent U.S. study shows a strong correlation between cola intake and lower bone density in women. An analysis of questionnaires and bone mineral density measurements of more than 2,500 people found that drinking merely four cans of cola a week led to lower bone density in women under 60, regardless of cigarette use or alcohol intake. The bone mineral density measurements were taken at the spines and three different hip sites of the participants.
The study, conducted by experts from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center, also found diet colas to be a culprit of lower bone density.
Low bone density is a serious condition increasing the risk of osteoporosis, which is a disease characterized by brittle bones affecting an estimated 44 million Americans, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. The recent cola correlation findings were reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition by Dr. Katherine Tucker, the lead author of the paper and director of the nutritional epidemiology program at Tufts, and her colleagues.
“Phosphoric acid in cola is a source of phosphorus, which if it exceeds in diet can hinder the absorption of calcium in bones,” said Dr. Ramses Toma of the Cal State Long Beach department of family and consumer sciences. “All sodas contain phosphoric acid one way or another.”
Despite this statement, the researchers found no correlations between other soft drinks and low bone density. They attribute the main difference between cola and other soft drinks was cola’s caffeine, phosphoric acid and cola extract ingredients. The caffeine and phosphoric acid may cause harm to bone health, but the precise explanation for the correlation remains unclear.
“Our study is just one epidemiological finding, and it doesn’t prove causation,” said Tucker in an article from the New York Times. “Still, women who are concerned about osteoporosis should avoid drinking cola regularly.”
While the study was criticized as “flawed” by the American Beverage Association, Tucker said in an article by Cox News Service that, “The more cola that women drank, the lower their bone mineral density was.”
Dr. Robert Friis, the department chairman of health science, analyzed the possible reasons as to why women are strongly affected as opposed to men.
“Some statistics indicate that women are five times more likely than men to be affected with osteoporosis,” Friis said. “Thus, men can also be affected, but not as frequently.”
Although the study reflected a heightened risk for all women who drink cola”apart from their age or other conditions, Friis noted that menopause plays a role, too.
“There is an association between loss of bone density and menopause,” Friis said.
“Older women who have gone through menopause are at increased risk of osteoporosis. Young women, however, can also be afflicted with the condition.”
While cola was the subject of this particular study, there are other diet factors that need to be balanced to avoid loss of bone density.
“A diet high in animal protein and salt is thought to be associated with bone loss,” said Friis. “A diet that is deficient in calcium and other essential nutrients may contribute to osteoporosis. Smoking and consumption of certain medications such as those that contain steroids may also increase risk of bone loss.”
Although it appears to be an uphill battle for women, there are dietary solutions to help prevent loss of bone density in addition to lowering cola intake.
“Improve one’s nutritional status by consuming a diet that contains adequate amounts of calcium, as well as magnesium and potassium,” Friis said. “Increase dietary sources of calcium; milk is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D. Regular exercise is associated with increased bone density, so try to exercise more.”
