A common fizzy drink has been linked with lower bone mineral density in women, suggesting that we may need to take a look at our diets if we want to preserve our bone wellness. The research by Tufts University investigated the impact of fizzy drinks on the health of men and women, as well as other aspects of their diets to try and find more links between our wellbeing and bone health.
Why the concern
In the US alone over half of the population could be at risk of getting brittle bones. The condition is associated with our age, as bone mineral density (BMD) declines after it hits a peak in our 30s. More women than men tend to be affected as falling hormone rates around the time of menopause can lead to bone cells being lost quicker. Although this is a natural part of the ageing process, we can prevent the loss of too many bone cells via exercise and diet. This fact lead researchers to look at aspects of 2,500 participants lifestyles to see what food and drinks could affect their BMD and potentially leave them vulnerable to osteoporosis.
Just cola?
On average men and women taking part in the study were in their late 50s, with men drinking about five servings of cola and women consuming four servings of cola a week, with one serving being a single can or bottle. Results from BMD showed that women who drank more cola had lower BMD at their hips, with similar results being found for diet versions of the drink and small decreases in BMD for decaffeinated colas. The hip and spine BMD was not affected in men who drank these drinks, and women’s spinal measurements did also not seem affected.
Researchers on the study found that the women who showed higher losses of BMD did not consume less calcium than those who drank smaller amount of cola, ruling out a theory that women who drink more cola drink less milk. Interestingly, other fizzy drinks did not have the same BMD losses, leading researchers to suggest that phosphorous found in colas could explain the results. Clinicians leading the study say that more evidence is needed to find the direct link between colas and BMD, and we can approach our doctors if we have fears about the effect fizzy drinks have on our bones.
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