Coffee and tea are prevalent enjoyable favorites, and there’s exciting news for Savers who love these beverages. Studies have now confirmed that drinking your daily cup of coffee or tea does not harm bones or increase the risk of hip fracture.
In fact, one study found a positive correlation between coffee intake and bone mineral density. Pour yourself a cup of joe and discover what these studies reveal about its impact on bone health.
Genetic Variable Study Finds Positive Link Between Bone Mass And Coffee Intake
A study published in March 2024 in the journal Frontiers of Endocrinology applied a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to measure the relationship between coffee consumption and bone mineral density.1
Mendelian randomization uses a genetic variable to measure the potential causal relationship between a risk factor–in this case coffee consumption– and an outcome– bone mineral density. Using a genetic variable, which is randomly inherited from parents, helps researchers minimize confounding factors and enhance the reliability of their results.2
This study used two pools of participants. The first pool included 428,860 British individuals who were part of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) that compared genetics to food consumption. The second pool included 537,750 participants whose bone mineral density was measured for their total body and at four body sites: the lumbar spine, the femoral neck, the heel, and the ultra distal forearm.
Analysis of the data revealed a potential positive correlation between total body BMD and coffee intake. When analyzed by age, this positive correlation persisted among study participants aged 30 to 60. When specific bone sites were considered, researchers found a significant positive correlation between coffee intake and bone mineral density at the heel.1
The researchers concluded that their study provides genetic evidence that coffee intake is beneficial for bone density. They suggest that for adults over 30, increasing daily coffee consumption may slow bone loss and lower the prevalence of osteoporosis.1
Synopsis
Researchers used a genetic variable to measure the relationship between coffee consumption and bone mineral density. They found a positive correlation between coffee intake and bone mineral density. The study concluded that genetic evidence supports the idea that drinking coffee benefits bone density.
Meta-Analysis Of Studies With Tea And Coffee Drinkers
A meta-analysis published in June 2023 investigated whether coffee and tea intake is associated with bone mineral density (BMD) and hip fracture risk.
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The researchers analyzed the results of 20 studies that included 508,312 participants. They divided the cohort into a low-intake group that consumed no more than one cup of tea and two cups of coffee per day, and a high-intake group that included any participant who drank more. Setting this threshold improved the reliability of the meta-analysis by allowing for more accurate comparisons between study results.3
The study concluded that daily consumption of caffeinated beverages, specifically coffee and tea, is not associated with changes to BMD or hip fracture risk. When the authors considered the age and gender of participants, they found this result is particularly true in postmenopausal women.3
This study provides further evidence that daily cups of coffee and tea can be part of a bone-healthy diet.
Synopsis
A 2023 study found that coffee and tea intake have no impact on bone mineral density or hip fracture risk, especially among postmenopausal women.
Coffee And Tea For Your Bones
Caffeine has been considered with skepticism due to previous studies that associated it with increased urinary calcium excretion, suggesting a link to bone mineral loss. However, these recent studies hold that the caffeine in coffee and tea doesn't have a net negative impact on bones– and may even have a net positive effect.
The most abundant bioactive components in coffee are caffeine and fenugreek, which researchers suggest may positively impact bone formation.1
The authors of the first study we reviewed wrote the following about the beneficial contents of coffee.
“Flavonoids in coffee have been found to play direct or indirect beneficial roles in most processes of bone metabolism. It promotes bone formation by inducing the expression of genes related to osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization”1
Tea also contains abundant flavonoids.
While this is excellent news about coffee and tea, these beverages are often consumed with different mix-ins. These additions can significantly influence the beverage's impact on bone health.
Coffee with added white sugar, pumps of syrupy sugar-based flavorings, and dairy milk contains numerous substances that harm bone. Whereas coffee taken black, or with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, and unsweetened plant-based milk, allow to reap the benefits of coffee without the drawbacks of unhealthy add-ins.
Moderation is essential—excess caffeine can cause jitters and other potential issues. However, a daily cup or tea or coffee can be part of a bone-building healthy routine. You can pair that easy-to-build habit with a behavior you'd like to increase. For example, you could always follow your morning coffee with a walk, always pair your cup of tea with a healthy breakfast, or enjoy your beverage while reading the latest news about bone health.
Moreover, it's worth noting that the act of enjoying a beverage can have its own benefits.. Soothing rituals that make you feel good can lower bone-damaging stress and help you feel positive and optimistic. That makes you more likely to follow through on your bone-building habits and achieve your health goals.
Synopsis
These studies show that coffee and tea do not harm your bones, and may even make them stronger– possibly due to flavonoids they contain. However, remember that unhealthy mix-ins (like sugar and dairy milk) can change a benefit to a detriment. Enjoy coffee and tea in moderation, and pair them with another bone building habit to double the benefits.
What This Means To You
Coffee and tea are a satisfying part of a bone-building diet. Be sure to avoid unhealthy add-ins and sweeteners and you can collect the benefits of the compounds in these beverages as an enjoyable daily ritual.
Developing habits that support a bone-healthy lifestyle can help you stay on track with your bone health goals. The Osteoporosis Reversal Program offers a holistic approach that touches on many parts of your daily life– meals, physical activities, beauty products, sleep, snacks, and more. Every part of your life has an impact on your wellness, and the Osteoporosis Reversal Program can help you orient more parts of your life toward the goal of building strong bones and avoiding falls and fractures.
There is enormous potential in seemingly small changes. With a little bit of effort you can unlock the independent and active future you deserve.
References
1 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1328748/full
Erratum?? ” The most abundant bioactive components in coffee are caffeine and fenugreek, which researchers suggest may positively impact bone formation.1″
Not sure how fenugreek got into this report : )
Coffee is a botanical – great for Parkingson’s, constipation, waking up/brain fog, and now our bones. Best thing I’ve heard in a year full of destructive news.
Enjoy : )))
I’ve been drinking mostly water processed decaf coffee since my osteoporosis diagnosis. This makes me feel better now for when I have an occasional regular coffee.
Just wondering what you think about decaf coffee, especially water processed?
I am a coffee drinker since ages, be it black no sugar, with milk also with no sugar as with sugar, (depending availability of either milk, sugar and even coffee in its momemt), even take a last one before going to sleep, a must! Otherwise, can’t sleep! But then, if good for bones, why then appearance of osteoporosis ???
That’s great news I drink coffee with breakfast every morning with a drop of milk or half and half no sugar. Green tea during the day.i switch different teas..happy to hear this. Exercise everyday doing pilates now..
Keep up with your good habits, Marlene!
Have these coffee studies been applied to those over 70 years of age?
I’m 72, have osteoporosis, and drink decaffeinated coffee, but would prefer caffeinated coffee if it truly will not further compromise my bone mineral density.
Hi Barbara, and thank you for your comment! Yes, some of the studies referenced in the article did include participants over the age of 70. For example, a large prospective study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism followed older adults and found no negative association between moderate caffeine intake and bone mineral density—even among postmenopausal women.
It’s great that you’re already mindful of your bone health. Moderate consumption—typically defined as one to three cups a day—has not been shown to negatively affect bone density, especially when your diet is rich in bone-supportive nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.
Of course, every person is different, so it’s always a good idea to listen to your body and consult with your healthcare provider. But for many Savers, enjoying a cup or two of caffeinated coffee daily can be part of a bone-healthy lifestyle.
When I was middle age, I found I had lumps in my breast, so went 2 c a Dr.,who asked me if I drank coffee, I said yes I do, & the Dr told me 2 not drink coffee, so I gav it up, & in a matter of time my lumps disappeared – I am now in my late 70’s & have never had the problem again!
Vivian u r wonderfull with all tr help, thk u from South Africa, Cape Town.😚😊🤩🥰
Hi Joy! Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your story all the way from beautiful Cape Town! It’s wonderful to hear that you listened to your body and found what worked best for you—that’s such an important part of any health journey.
Everyone reacts differently to certain foods and beverages, and your experience is a powerful reminder of that. What matters most is that you feel your best and stay in tune with your health.
Wishing you continued strength and wellness on your bone health journey.