Is Liquid Calcium Intake Affected By Drinking Coffee?

Liquid forms of calcium, the most abundant mineral in the body, include natural substances, such as milk, and calcium supplements in the form of liquids. Coffee -- that popular beverage consumed by so many people -- is also one of the most common sources of caffeine in the diet, and caffeine has an effect on calcium.

Calcium in the Body

Calcium is abundant in the body because it is a major component of bones and teeth; 99 percent of the body's calcium is stored there. Bones are in a constant state of remodeling, in which calcium from the bones is absorbed into the blood stream, and new calcium is then deposited into the bones. That means a constant supply of calcium is necessary. As the body ages and especially during menopause, bone breakdown might exceed bone formation, leading to osteoporosis.

Coffee, Caffeine and Calcium

Coffee contains varying amounts of caffeine, depending on how it is brewed. According to the MayoClinic.com, the amount of caffeine in an 8 oz. cup of coffee can vary from 95 to 200 mg. The Office of Dietary Supplements says that one cup of regular brewed coffee causes a loss of only 2 to 3 mg of calcium and that a cup of coffee per day has no negative effect on bone in young women.

Research

An article by R.P. Heaney in the September 2002 "Food Chemistry and Toxicology" noted that caffeine has been associated with decreased bone mass and increased fracture risk in a few studies. He also noted that several studies show that caffeine has a small effect on the absorption of calcium from the small intestine. However, Heaney also says that an intake of as little as 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk could offset the effect on calcium absorption.

Coffee and Bone Density

Coffee consumption can affect the amount of calcium stored in bones. A study of elderly men and women, reported in the February 2002 issue of "Nutrition and Metabolism," found that men who drank 4 or more cups of coffee per day had lower bone density than those who drank less or no coffee. There was no difference in bone density in women who participated in this study, regardless of coffee intake. Coffee decreased bone density in men with high coffee intakes irrespective of their calcium consumption.

Final Words

Whether you take your calcium as a pill, liquid supplement or a beverage, such as milk, coffee's effect is so small that it will not have an impact on your health. However, Heaney notes that coffee may be replacing beverages such as milk, as a high caffeine intake often correlates with a low calcium intake. If you have questions or concerns about calcium and coffee, talk with your health-care professional.