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 harms the bones. Several studies have shown that excessive consumption of cola drinks may have adverse health effects – on weight, the kidneys and also on the bones. For example, too much cola could promote osteoporosis, also known as bone loss.
Cola may promote osteoporosis
If cola is drunk regularly, it can increase the risk of osteoporosis, and thus the risk of bone fractures, even in young girls. The negative effect mainly affects girls, and the fractures in turn are mainly found in the wrist and forearm area.
But even older women are not immune to the negative effect of cola: they also show reduced bone density (especially in the area of the hips) if they drink cola every day. Incidentally, this effect occurs not only with normal cola products, but also with cola light drinks and – somewhat weakened – decaffeinated cola drinks.
The studies were unable to conclusively clarify why exactly this effect occurs and why it only affects girls and women. The main suspect is the phosphoric acid contained in cola.
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Phosphoric acid in cola may weaken bones
Cola drinks contain a lot of phosphate in the form of phosphoric acid. Too much phosphate is considered harmful to bones because, on the one hand, it prevents the mineral calcium from being absorbed into the bones and, on the other hand, it promotes the breakdown of calcium from the bones. It thus leads to a reduction in bone density and promotes osteoporosis.
However, phosphate is also an important bone-building substance, so a phosphate deficiency is also unfavorable. 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, for example, in meat or convenience foods. While milk provides both calcium and phosphate and is therefore considered a healthy drink for the bones, cola only provides phosphate.
Calcium and phosphate in imbalance
Cola drinks consist of sugar, caffeine and phosphoric acid and contain 140 milligrams of phosphate per liter. Especially at an age that is very crucial for bone formation and density, many girls drink more phosphate-containing beverages. At the same time, they avoid calcium-containing foods such as milk and dairy products for fear of becoming fat. This leads to an imbalance that promotes bone damage.
The recommended daily intake of calcium for the age group from 13 to under 19 is 1,200 milligrams, and 1,000 milligrams thereafter. According to American studies, however, the average calcium intake in this age group is lower for girls. However, it is at this age that adequate calcium intake is important to minimize the risk of developing osteoporosis in old age.
Supply calcium
Instead of cola drinks, female teenagers should rather resort to calcium-rich mineral waters (calcium content from 150 milligrams per liter), calcium-enriched fruit juices or fruit juice spritzers made of both. After consulting with a doctor, dairy moms can also use calcium supplements to meet their calcium needs. In any case, care should be taken to ensure adequate calcium intake to lay the foundation for healthy bones in old age.
