Doctors discover drinking tea lowers risk of agonising bone problem

Drinking tea could lower women’s risk of a hip fractures later in life – while excessive coffee consumption may increase it – new research suggests.

Scientists at Flinders University in Adelaide analysed 10 years of data comparing women’s tea and coffee habits with detailed scans of bone strength at the hip – a key predictor of fracture risk.

The analysis showed that tea drinkers had slightly stronger bones than non-drinkers – suggesting they may be less likely to suffer a hip fracture as they age.

While the difference was modest, experts said it was statistically significant – and could translate into fewer fractures when applied across large populations.

‘Even small improvements in bone density can translate into fewer fractures across large groups,’ said Dr Enwu Liu – a co-author of the study and Adjunct Associate Professor at the university – speaking to News-Medical.Net.

The findings may help explain how everyday lifestyle habits – such as drinking tea or coffee – could influence the risk of bone-thinning disease osteoporosis.

The condition – which affects around three million people in the UK, the vast majority of them women in midlife and older age – causes bones to become thinner and more fragile over time, making fractures more likely, particularly at the hip.

Experts said the results highlight how small dietary habits may play a supporting role in reducing fracture risk – alongside proven osteoporosis prevention and treatment measures such as exercise, calcium and vitamin D.

The bone-strengthening effect of tea is likely due to its high levels of catechins – plant compounds thought to promote bone formation and slow bone breakdown – according to co-author Ryan Yan Liu.

The researchers also found that drinking up to three cups of coffee a day is unlikely to harm bone health – but heavier consumption may.

Those who drank more than five cups a day were found to have lower bone mineral density (BMD) – suggesting a higher risk of hip fractures later in life.

This may be because laboratory studies show caffeine can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium – a mineral essential for maintaining strong bones – Mr Liu explained.

Calcium plays a key role in bone health and helps protect against osteoporosis.

The mineral combines with other elements to form hard crystals – known as calcium phosphate – which give bones their structure, density and strength.

However, he added: ‘These effects are small and can be offset by adding milk.’

Interestingly, other factors had an influence. Women who drank more alcohol over their lifetime had worse effects from coffee.

And, for obese women, tea drinking was linked to a higher femoral neck BMD, another potential indicator of a lower risk of hip fracture.

However, the authors said the two subgroup findings should be interpreted with caution as they included too few participants and may be a false positive. 

‘Our results don’t mean you need to give up coffee or start drinking tea by the gallon,’ said Dr 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.’

He added: ‘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 cup of tea may be more than a comforting ritual, it could be a small step towards stronger bones.’ 

Latest figures show over 70,000 people fall and fracture a hip in the UK each year.

Meanwhile, it is estimated over three million people in the UK are living with osteoporosis.

The condition develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a fracture says the NHS.

Most common injuries are a broken wrist, hip fracture or broken spinal bones known as the vertebrae.

But fractures can also happen in other bones, such as in the arm or the pelvis.

It can make bones so weak even a cough or sneeze can cause a broken rib or partial collapse of one of the bones in the spine. 

Typically, it isn’t painful until the bone is broken, but broken bones in the spine can cause long-term pain. 

A stooped posture, which is when it appears bent forward, is often the first sign of the illness in older people.

They develop this posture when bones in the spine have broken, making it difficult to support body weight.