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· collected 2026-09-05 · by Teresa Mull
A new study published in the journal Nutrients suggests a link between high coffee consumption and lower bone mineral density (BMD) in older women. Researchers at Flinders University analyzed data from 9,704 women aged 65 and over and found that drinking more than five cups of coffee per day was associated with lower BMD. In contrast, moderate tea consumption - about two to three cups a day - was linked to higher total hip BMD, but only among certain subgroups such as those with obesity. The study's findings suggest that women who regularly drink high amounts of coffee may be at increased risk for osteoporosis-related fractures.
Written by the local model on 2026-09-06,
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Story summary
Researchers at Flinders University conducted a 10-year study involving 9,704 women aged 65 and older, analyzing their coffee and tea consumption to determine its impact on bone health. The study found that drinking more than five cups of coffee per day was associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD) in these women, while drinking tea was linked to higher total hip BMD. However, moderate coffee consumption, about two to three cups a day, did not have negative effects on bone health. The researchers also discovered that coffee consumption was particularly detrimental for women with high alcohol intake and those who were obese, whereas the positive association between tea and bone density was more pronounced in these groups as well. This study suggests that older women may need to rethink their daily coffee habit and consider switching to tea to support their bone health.
Written for “Coffee's Effect on Bone Health” on 2026-09-07,
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Leaning score -0.35 for article 5007 (high confidence, 2 verified quotes) · logged 2026-09-06
If you’re a woman who regularly reaches for coffee throughout the day, you may want to think twice about that next cup — or consider switching to tea.
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you → ’re → tea
Researchers at Flinders University reported in a study published in the journal Nutrients that high coffee consumption may be associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD) in older, postmenopausal women.
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consumption → report → women
The scientists analyzed coffee and tea consumption among 9,704 women age 65 and older over a 10-year period.
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scientists → analyze → period
During that time, they also measured participants’ BMD at the femoral neck and hip — areas where osteoporosis-related fractures commonly occur.
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fractures → measure → neck
The researchers found that drinking tea was associated with higher total hip BMD, while drinking more than five cups of coffee per day was associated with lower BMD.
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drinking → find → BMD
Moderate coffee consumption — about two to three cups a day — was not associated with negative effects on bone health.
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consumption → associate → health
The study also identified differences based on other health and lifestyle factors.
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study → identify → factors
Coffee consumption was associated with lower femoral neck BMD among women with higher alcohol intake, while the positive association between tea and bone density was more pronounced among women with obesity.
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association → associate → obesity
The researchers wrote that osteoporosis, which is characterized by low BMD, "is a major global public health concern affecting individuals across all ages, genders and ethnicities."
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which → write → ages
About one in three women and one in five men age 50 and older worldwide experience osteoporosis-related fractures, according to the study.
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women → experience → study
Women face a particularly high risk because they generally have lower bone mass and experience accelerated bone loss after menopause.
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they → face → menopause
In the U.S., the number of adults age 50 and older with low BMD in the hip or spine is projected to increase by 17.2 million by 2030, adding to the healthcare costs and long-term disability associated with osteoporosis-related fractures, the researchers noted.
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researchers → project → fractures
The scientists wrote that they studied the relationship between coffee and tea and bone health because dietary factors play a "crucial role in the prevention of noncommunicable disease and may influence bone health," and these are two of the most widely consumed beverages globally.
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these → write → beverages
Study co-author Ryan Liu told ScienceDaily that "compounds called catechins, abundant 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," Liu said.
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Liu → tell → milk
"Our results don't mean you need to give up coffee or start drinking tea by the gallon," Liu added.
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Liu → mean → gallon
"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.
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who → suggest → alcohol
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Symptoms of osteoporosis and early bone loss include back pain, loss of height over time and stooped posture, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Steps that can help prevent bone loss and support bone health include eating calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, leafy greens and canned fish with bones; getting adequate vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium; and exercising regularly, particularly through weight-bearing and strength-training exercises.
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body → help → exercises
Balance exercises can also help reduce the risk of falls and fractures.
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exercises → help → falls
