caffeine & bone density

[abstract]

i had remembered hearing once that drinking caffeine will leech calcium from your bones. considering how widespread caffeine is, especially in energy drinks, this gave me pause. i started passing on this information but i had never actually verified it with a reputable source.

http://www.mcmaster.ca/health/hwc/Newsl ... _bones.htm

Caffeine, Soft Drinks and Bone Density

Research has indicated a link between bone mineral density and caffeine consumption. Several studies have reported increases in calcium loss through the urine after caffeine intake, but only in the first few hours following consumption. It is possible that the body may make up for the calcium loss later. It has been found that it is more likely to occur when overall calcium intake is low. Health Canada recommends that we do not exceed 400 mg. of caffeine /day, which is equal to 3-4 cups of coffee a day. Caffeine is also found in tea, soft drinks and chocolate. A caffeine intake of 400 mg. or less per day does not increase urinary losses of calcium as long as calcium consumption is at least 600 mg.

so what i was told was not entirely accurate, in that caffeine consumption is safe so long as you have proper calcium supplementation in your diet. although it still seems a bit strange that calcium loss would completely be halted so long as more calcium was being absorbed by the body. regardless, during the healing process, avoiding coffee seems like a reasonable idea to rebuild bone density as quickly as possible.

i was also pleased to see that bone density does not peak until the age of 30. with proper attention to diet & supplementation, one should be able to play footbag for quite a few years.

[Bringerofpie]

If you don't overdo the caffeine and maybe drink some milk and eat plenty of fruits and veggies, you'll be fine.

[Psilocybe]

I have a stress fracture. No more soft drinks for me. Thanks.