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September 24, 2008
Q.: I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis, having had a number of
compression fractures in my lower back. Because I was a big cola drinker (don't like tea, coffee or milk, and
water and juices didn't seem to quench my thirst like pop), I was concerned that I had contributed to this
situation. Can you tell me - is drinking pop bad for bone health?
A.: The link between osteoporosis and caffeinated sodas (colas) isn't
clear, but caffeine may interfere with calcium absorption and its diuretic effect may increase calcium loss.
In addition, the phosphoric acid in soda may contribute to bone loss by changing the acid balance in your
blood, but your intake of sodas would have to be extreme for this to be an issue. Among children, the concern
is that sodas can take the place of milk, so that calcium intake is not adequate. If you do drink caffeinated
soda, be sure to get adequate calcium and vitamin D from other sources in your diet or from supplements.
Osteoporosis Canada recommends 1500mg/day calcium from all sources for those over 50 or at high risk of
osteoporosis and at least 800 IUs vitamin D.
Source: Stephanie Atkinson, PhD, RD, Associate Member,
Department of Biochemistry; Professor, Department of Pediatrics & Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health
Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.
This Q&A represents Osteoporosis Canada's official response to the recent story
by the Globe and Mail entitled "Will my Diet Coke give me osteoporosis?"
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