Daily tea may offer lower risk of bone fractures than heavy coffee drinkers

Coffee and tea may have different impacts on bone health in older women, a new study suggests.

Researchers from Flinders University, Australia, tracked almost 10,000 women over a decade, finding that tea drinkers have modestly higher bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip than non-drinkers. They suggest that tea has the potential to prevent fractures.

Women who moderately consumed coffee had no harmful effects, according to the publication in Nutrients. However, excessive drinking — over five daily cups — had lower BMD. 

Moreover, the women, 65 and up, who combined high coffee consumption with higher levels of alcohol experienced even worse BMD.

Although alarming, the researchers say there is no need for drastic dietary changes. “Our results don’t mean you need to give up coffee or start drinking tea by the gallon,” says adjunct associate professor Enwu Liu.

“But they do suggest that moderate tea consumption could be one simple way to support bone health, and that very high coffee intake might not be ideal, especially for women who drink alcohol.”

Long-term study

BMD is a key risk factor for osteoporosis, a major global health concern that affects 1 in 3 women over 50, leading to millions of fractures every year.

The researchers wanted to learn the impacts of coffee and tea on bone health, as they are consumed by billions worldwide. Until now, evidence has been mixed, and only a few studies have tracked the relationship between the condition and beverages over an extended period.

The researchers analyzed data from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures, which includes measures of coffee and tea consumption and BMD at the hip and femoral neck using advanced imaging techniques. These are high-risk areas for fracture.

Implications for populations

The BMD difference between tea and non-tea drinkers was modest but statistically significant, suggesting it could have implications for aging populations, the researchers suggest.

“Even small improvements in bone density can translate into fewer fractures across large groups,” says adjunct associate professor Liu.

Tea was also noted to be especially beneficial for women with obesity. Regular coffee-dinkers, two to three cups daily, did not experience harm to their bone health. 

Meanwhile, an earlier research suggested that women consuming up to five daily caffeinated coffees in midlife are more likely to be healthy agers. The observational study of over 47,000 women defined healthy aging as being over 70 and free from 11 major chronic diseases while maintaining good physical function and mental health. 

Benefits of a cup of tea

Co-author Ryan Liu explains that compounds called catechins, which are rich in tea, may promote bone formation and slow bone breakdown.

“Coffee’s caffeine content, by contrast, has been shown in laboratory studies to interfere with calcium absorption and bone metabolism, though these effects are small and can be offset by adding milk.”

Adjunct associate professor Liu suggests that drinking a cup of tea daily could be a simple way to support brain health during aging. “While moderate coffee drinking appears safe, very high consumption may not be ideal, especially for women who drink alcohol.”

“While calcium and vitamin D remain cornerstones of bone health, what’s in your cup could play a role too. For older women, enjoying a daily cup of tea may be more than a comforting ritual, it could be a small step toward stronger bones.”

In our previous Special Report, Nutrition Insight explored the menopause shift where probiotics and heart and bone health are taking center stage. Meanwhile, vitamin K2 is moving to the forefront of the nutraceutical space for bone health and mobility support.