http://www.care2.com/greenliving/can-drinking-seltzers-sodas-or-other-carbonated-drinks-harm-bones.html
Can Drinking Seltzers, Sodas or Other Carbonated Drinks Harm Bones?
By Joyce Hendley, EatingWell
Can drinking seltzers, sodas or other carbonated drinks harm your bones? Perhaps. There’s research that links drinking certain types of soda with weaker bones–but carbonation doesn’t seem to be the problem.
Nutrition experts once believed caffeine could be the culprit. In a 2001 study out of Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, people lost measurable amounts of calcium after drinking caffeinated sodas. Drinking decaffeinated sodas didn’t appear to have the same effect. As it turned out, though, people tended to make up for the losses by excreting less calcium later in the day. The researchers concluded that if sodas harm bones it’s probably because people drink them in place of milk.
But another study, reported in 2006 by researchers at Tufts University in Boston, suggests that colas, specifically, might be problematic. Among the 1,413 women whose dietary records and bone-density scans they reviewed, those who drank a diet or regular cola at least three times a week over five years had significantly lower bone densities than those who sipped cola once a month or less. No such effect occurred with other carbonated drinks, even after researchers factored in intake of calcium from foods.
The likely cause? Phosphoric acid, which is unique to colas, says Katherine Tucker, Ph.D., lead author of the study. When the body breaks down this compound, the acidity (or concentration of free hydrogen ions) of the blood increases. To neutralize acidity, hydrogen ions bind with minerals, including calcium and magnesium. If they’re not available in the blood, says Tucker, “the body draws calcium from bones.” The occasional cola drinker probably needn’t worry. “The real risk is for those who drink cola every day,” says Tucker.
Bottom line: There are plenty of good reasons to quit a regular soda habit; carbonation isn’t one of them. In fact, sparkling mineral waters sometimes contain a little calcium and magnesium, says Tucker, “so they might even benefit bones.”
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32 comments
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Kabin
Konteyner
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it is better to drink the fruits juices and the purified drinking water than any kind of sodas that can harm our health.
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Hi Cee J.: With all due respect, I believe Katherine G.'s "less blabbing" comment was directed to Jeff Hartnett. Right after this, she addresses you re: Fosamax.
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To Katherine G. First that was unbcalled for, and second I never said anything about Fosamax. I was on it and am well aware of the potential for jaw necrosis. You need to do more reading, and noting who said what if you want to reply. and "less blabbing".
Tiffany. I am not sure why you would be getting a bone density study at your young age and it is terrific that you have good density. That does not mean, sadly, it will remain so. It's good you do it in moderation. Im not a medical person so I couldn;t and wouldn;t say you should cut down more or even stop it. I wish you continued wellness.
ceej
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Hi Tiffany M.: I think the problem of bone loss really increases at menopause. Of course, one should always be aware of calcium intake/loss, but at your age, I would say you're pretty safe with your moderate intake of Pepsi.
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I drink Pepsi a few times a week no more than 1 a day and just and FYI everyone my Bone Density is PERFECT. I"m 33 and they said my bones are that of a teen!
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Hi, Frances. Pls. see my message to Cee J. You are fortunate having to abandone Fosamax.
If you are interested, I have something that can actually help the calcium get to your bones much better than anything else.
Write to reenakizoffgill@sympatico.ca.
Katherine G.
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To Jeff Hartnett - Pour Coke, Pepsi, etc. in a glass, and add a screw, nail, etc. Leave it sit for about a week, or so. Take a look at what has happened to it during the week. That's what happens to our stomachs!! Do more reading and less blabbing! Cee j. You need to reed about Fosamax and the other drug (don't remember the name.") These products can drain your jaw calcium! Your jaw ends up being, "bone dead." Goggle Fosamax. There is an article telling about this happening to someone in Australia.
Katherine G. Toronto, Canada
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I wanted to comment on the idea that mineral waters is beneficial when ingested. The idea that with mineral water we get some of the necessary minerals we require when ingested is dangerous thinking.The only real benefit is when we soak in mineral baths, pools etc. Now the main problem I have when speaking of minerals you are speaking of organic minerals since our bodies can only absorb and utilize matter organic minerals. Now the minerals found in mineral water is basically inorganic and unless you are a tree, which can breakdown and absorb inorganic mineral, you may be in trouble. Read the book by Paul Bragg for further information
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Yes I know calcium is very very imp especially for womemen just after the age of 30...so all my sisters pl take care.AT least 1000mg every day...loveusha
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