A new study from Flinders University provides fresh insight into how two of the world’s most popular beverages, tea and coffee, may influence bone health in older women.
Published in the journal Nutrients, the research followed nearly 10,000 women aged 65 and over for about ten years. The study set out to examine whether regular tea or coffee consumption was associated with changes in bone mineral density (BMD), a key indicator of osteoporosis risk and fracture likelihood later in life.
Osteoporosis is a primary global health concern, particularly for women, with around one in three affected after the age of 50. It contributes to millions of fractures each year and can have serious consequences for mobility, independence, and quality of life. Given how widely tea and coffee are consumed worldwide, even minor effects on bone health could have significant implications at a population level. Previous studies have produced mixed results, and few have examined these relationships over such a long period.
To address this, the researchers analysed data from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures, using repeated measurements of both beverage intake and bone density. Bone mineral density was assessed at the total hip and femoral neck, areas closely linked to fracture risk, while participants regularly reported their tea and coffee consumption throughout the follow-up period.
The results suggested that tea consumption was associated with slightly higher total hip bone mineral density compared with not drinking tea. Although the difference was modest, it was statistically significant, meaning it was unlikely to be due to chance alone. According to Adjunct Associate Professor Enwu Liu, even minor improvements in bone density can matter when considered across large populations, potentially translating into fewer fractures overall.
Coffee showed a more complex pattern. Moderate intake, around two to three cups per day, did not hurt bone health. However, drinking more than five cups daily was associated with lower bone mineral density, indicating that very high consumption may be detrimental. The effects of heavy coffee intake were more pronounced in women with higher lifetime alcohol consumption, while tea appeared to be particularly beneficial for women with obesity.
These differences may be explained by the compounds found in each beverage. Tea contains catechins, which have been shown in experimental studies to support bone formation and slow bone breakdown. Coffee’s caffeine content, by contrast, can slightly interfere with calcium absorption and bone metabolism, although these effects are generally minor and may be reduced by adding milk.
The authors emphasise that the findings should not prompt dramatic lifestyle changes. The observed differences in bone density are relatively small, and moderate coffee consumption appears to be safe for most older women. However, the results do suggest that very high coffee intake may not be ideal, particularly for women who also consume alcohol.
Overall, while calcium and vitamin D remain central to maintaining healthy bones, the study indicates that everyday choices may also play a role. For older women, enjoying a daily cup of tea can be a simple, accessible way to support bone health as part of a balanced lifestyle.
More information: Ryan Yan Liu et al, Longitudinal Association of Coffee and Tea Consumption with Bone Mineral Density in Older Women: A 10-Year Repeated-Measures Analysis in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures, Nutrients. DOI: 10.3390/nu17233660
Journal information: Nutrients Provided by Flinders University
