Cokes make bones fragile

Osteoporosis occurs mainly in older people. But even teenagers can be affected or at least lay the foundation for it. The reason? Too much cola probably damages the bones. Several studies have shown that excessive consumption of cola drinks can have adverse health effects – on weight, the kidneys and also on the bones. Too much cola could promote osteoporosis, also known as bone loss.

Coke can promote osteoporosis.

Drinking cola regularly can already increase the risk of osteoporosis in young girls and, thus, the risk of fractures. The negative effect mainly affects girls, while fractures are primarily found in the wrist and forearm area.

But older women are not immune to the adverse effects of cola either: They also show reduced bone density (especially in the hip area) if they drink cola every day. Incidentally, this effect occurs not only with everyday cola products but also with diet cola drinks and – to a lesser extent – ​​decaffeinated cola drinks.

Studies must clarify why this effect occurs and only affects girls and women. The main suspect is the phosphoric acid contained in cola.

Phosphoric acid in cola can weaken bones.

Cola drinks contain a lot of phosphate in the form of phosphoric acid. Too much phosphate is considered harmful to the bones because it prevents the mineral calcium from being absorbed into the bones on the one hand and promotes the breakdown of calcium from the bones on the other. It leads to a reduction in bone density and thus promotes osteoporosis.

However, phosphate is also a critical bone-building material, so a phosphate deficiency is unfavourable. The decisive factor is the ratio of calcium to phosphate, which should be 1:1. In the Western diet. However, too much phosphate is consumed anyway because the substance is also found in meat or ready meals, for example. While milk provides calcium and phosphate and is considered a healthy bone drink, cola only provides phosphate.

Calcium and phosphate imbalance

Cola drinks contain sugar, caffeine, phosphoric acid and 140 milligrams of phosphate per litre. Especially at an age that is very important for bone formation and bone density, many girls drink more beverages containing phosphate. At the same time, they avoid calcium-rich foods such as milk and milk products for fear of becoming fat. This creates an imbalance that promotes bone damage.

The recommended daily calcium intake for ages 13 to under 19 is 1,200 milligrams and 1,000 milligrams after that. According to American studies, however, girls’ average calcium intake in this age group is lower. However, it is precisely at this age that an adequate supply of calcium is essential to minimize the risk of developing osteoporosis in old age.

supply calcium

Instead of cola drinks, female teenagers should prefer calcium-rich mineral water (calcium content from 150 milligrams per litre), calcium-enriched fruit juices or fruit juice spritzers from both. After consultation with the doctor, non-dairy milkers can also use calcium supplements to cover their calcium requirements. Care should be taken to ensure adequate calcium intake to lay the foundation for healthy bones in old age.