The hidden bone benefit of a cuppa: Daily tea consumption linked to slightly stronger hip bones in older women
By willowt // 2025-12-17
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  • A new long-term study suggests daily tea consumption is linked to slightly stronger hip bones in older women.
  • Moderate coffee intake (2-3 cups daily) showed no harm to bone mineral density.
  • Heavy coffee consumption (over 5 cups daily) was associated with lower bone density, particularly in women with higher alcohol intake.
  • Researchers attribute tea's potential benefit to catechins, plant compounds that may support bone formation.
  • Experts stress that while the effect is modest, small dietary habits can contribute to bone health alongside exercise, minerals such as calcium, boron and phosphorous, and vitamin D.
Why does a morning ritual matter for millions of aging women? Who might find an ally for bone health in their teacup, and what did a decade of research reveal about the impact of tea and coffee on fracture risk? A new longitudinal study from Flinders University in Adelaide, published in late 2025, provides nuanced answers, suggesting that the world's most popular beverages may play a subtle but meaningful role in the complex battle against osteoporosis—a condition affecting an estimated three million people in the UK alone.

A decade-long look at beverages and bones

The research, detailed in the journal Nutrients, followed nearly 10,000 women aged 65 and older for 10 years, tracking their tea and coffee habits alongside precise scans of bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip. Hip BMD is a critical predictor of fracture risk. This extended timeline allowed scientists to move beyond snapshots and observe potential long-term trends, adding weight to findings in a field where past studies have sometimes conflicted. The goal was to clarify how everyday dietary choices intersect with a major public health concern: osteoporosis quietly weakens bones, making fractures more likely, and hip fractures are among the most serious and debilitating consequences.

Tea's gentle strengthening effect

The analysis revealed that women who drank tea consistently had slightly higher BMD at the total hip compared to non-tea drinkers. The effect was modest but statistically significant. Researchers point to tea's rich content of catechins, a type of flavonoid and potent antioxidant, as a likely mechanism. Laboratory studies suggest these plant compounds may promote bone formation and slow the natural process of bone breakdown. "Even small improvements in bone density can translate into fewer fractures across large groups," explained Adjunct Associate Professor Enwu Liu, a co-author of the study. This aligns with historical epidemiological work, such as a large case-control study in Mediterranean countries, which found low tea intake was associated with a higher risk of hip fracture.

Coffee's complicated relationship with bone density

The findings for coffee were more layered. The study offered reassurance for moderate drinkers, finding that consumption of two to three cups per day was not associated with detrimental effects on BMD. However, a threshold appeared at heavy consumption—more than five cups daily was linked to lower bone density. The researchers note that caffeine can interfere with calcium absorption in the gut, a mineral essential for bone strength. Another consideration is that if you're drinking 5 or more cups of coffee per day, you likely aren't getting enough water. This negative effect appeared more pronounced in women with higher lifetime alcohol intake. Importantly, the study authors noted that adding milk to coffee could help offset caffeine's small impact on calcium.

Context and cautions in a crowded field

This new research contributes to an ongoing scientific conversation. While it found a bone density benefit for tea drinkers, it did not demonstrate a direct reduction in fracture risk over its follow-up period—a finding consistent with some past large cohort studies. Other recent research, including a population-based study from Taiwan, did find that high tea consumption was associated with a reduced risk of both osteoporosis and hip fracture, highlighting the complexity of nutrition science. The Flinders University team urges caution, noting that subgroup findings—like a stronger tea benefit for women with obesity—require further verification. "Our results don't mean you need to give up coffee or start drinking tea by the gallon," Liu stated.

A ritual with potential added benefit

Ultimately, this study underscores that bone health is influenced by a mosaic of factors, from genetics and exercise to nutrition. While proven measures like adequate minerals, vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise remain the cornerstone of osteoporosis prevention, this research suggests that daily beverage choices could be a supportive part of the picture. For the billions who enjoy tea and coffee worldwide, the findings offer a practical insight: a habitual cup of tea may offer a gentle boost for aging bones, while moderation is key for heavy coffee drinkers. In the quest to maintain strength and independence later in life, the ritual of the daily brew might hold more significance than once thought. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.com ScienceDaily.com PubMed.com Npwomenshealthcare.com
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