How coffee and tea affect bones: scientists answer

Researchers studied the effects of coffee and tea on bone density. Tea showed a slight advantage: elderly women who regularly drank it had higher hip bone density. Moderate coffee consumption (2-3 cups) had no noticeable effect, but more than five cups a day was linked to lower bone density. Polyphenols in tea may reduce inflammation, while caffeine in large doses impairs calcium absorption.

Researchers have studied the effects of coffee and tea on bone health, particularly in the context of age-related changes. The key finding: tea may offer a slight advantage. A 2025 study involving nearly 10,000 elderly women showed that those who regularly drank tea had slightly higher bone density in the hip area. Moderate coffee consumption (about two to three cups a day) had no noticeable effect on bones. However, women who drank more than five cups daily had lower bone density, indicating potential harm from excessive consumption. Another study covering nearly 50,000 postmenopausal women found a link between tea consumption and higher bone density in various parts of the skeleton, as well as fewer cases of osteoporosis and fractures. Professor Fadi Hanna-Shmuni of the University of British Columbia explains the effect of tea by its content of polyphenols—plant compounds that reduce inflammation and support bone formation. Coffee also contains polyphenols, but caffeine may slightly reduce calcium absorption. With moderate consumption, this effect is small, but large doses of caffeine may be associated with poorer bone health. For bone health, it is more important to get enough calcium and vitamin D, engage in strength training, avoid excessive alcohol, and not smoke.