Carbonated Drinks & Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, a metabolic bone disease, arises from a decrease in bone density leading to a loss of skeletal bone strength, particularly in women. Despite educational articles and media coverage, many individuals are not aware of the risk of developing osteoporosis. Normally, the onset of bone loss everywhere in the skeletal system begins around the age of 30 in both sexes. A higher incidence of bone loss exists for women compared to men. Carbonated beverages might contribute to osteoporosis as a result of dietary losses of calcium.

Cola Beverage Effect

Recent media and magazine reports attempt to link soft drinks to osteoporosis citing carbonation as the culprit. Soft drinks, especially cola beverages, may cause increased bone density loss leading to decreased skeletal strength, but carbonation isn't the culprit. Changes in behavior and lifestyle choices more closely correlate with bone damage. Research literature supports that those who regularly consume cola beverages sacrifice dietary calcium sources such as milk and other dairy products and fortified juices. Cola beverages cited include regular, diet and decaffeinated.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus, in the form of phosphoric acid, is an ingredient in cola beverages that can hamper the absorption of calcium, adding to the imbalances that cause calcium loss. A diet high in foods and beverages that contain phosphorus, including colas, chicken and cheeses, increases the likelihood of bone loss. High blood phosphorus levels cause blood calcium concentrations to decrease. To compensate for decreased blood calcium, the skeletal system releases calcium to adjust levels in the blood, thereby depleting bone strength. Non-cola beverages usually don't include phosphoric acid, so calcium losses are not associated with their consumption.

Osteoporosis Risk Factors

A number of risk factors contribute to the development of osteoporosis, including gender, race, body types, malnutrition and family history. Lifestyle choices can also be factors such as high dietary intake of sodium, phosphorus and protein; high alcohol consumption; smoking; and a lack of exercise. Prolonged use of drugs, such as anticonvulsants, thyroid medications and steroids, can play a role in bone density loss. Periods of immobility, resulting from illness, surgery or injury, can cause calcium to move from the bones into the bloodstream, thereby weakening the skeletal system.

Symptoms and Causes

Generally, osteoporosis has no warning signs or symptoms before a fracture occurs. The initial complaint of pain may coincide with a fall or occur spontaneously from a collapsed vertebrae. A decrease in height is also common. With aging adults and individuals who have risk factors, the breakdown of bone is occurring at a faster rate than the formation of new bone tissue, resulting in less bone mass and decreased skeletal stability.

Prevention

Prevention of osteoporosis requires a sufficient amount of calcium and vitamin D, a regular aerobic exercise program, avoiding excess alcohol, not smoking and limiting consumption of cola beverages. Calcium and vitamin D both treat and prevent osteoporosis, whether the source is dairy products, fortified foods or supplements.