Coffee has been enjoyed as a beverage for thousands of year in hundreds of different cultures, valued for its mild stimulant properties. These properties help increase alertness and can enhance performance in normal activities. The primary ingredient in coffee, caffeine, is the source of this additional energy. Caffeine may also have unwanted side effects such as insomnia and anxiety. In addition, caffeine may have a negative effect on the way your body uses the mineral calcium.
Calcium and Bone Health
Calcium is the most prevalent mineral in your body, found in the greatest quantities in your teeth and bones. Your body is regularly replacing old bone tissue and tooth enamel with new bone tissue and enamel made from calcium, although this replenishment declines with age. Dairy products, broccoli and salmon are the richest sources of calcium, and women are at highest risk for problems caused by inadequate calcium consumption. This is mainly due to the fact that decreasing estrogen production in menopause leads to a decline in your body's ability to absorb calcium.
Coffee and Calcium Malabsorption
Certain foods and ingredients in foods, such as caffeine, can decrease both your body's ability to absorb calcium and the rate at which it excretes the mineral. A review published in September 2002 in "Food and Chemical Toxicology" concluded that although caffeine does increase the excretion of calcium by your body, the amount lost can be replaced by drinking just 2 tbsp. of milk. The author added that caffeine in coffee does have a mild effect on your body's ability to absorb calcium. Over time, consumption of large quantities of coffee without calcium replenishment from food or supplements may lead to thinning of your bones.
Treatment
The extent to which coffee consumption impairs calcium absorption appears to be minimal. You can replenish the calcium lost or left unabsorbed by including calcium-rich foods in your daily diet. Groups who are at higher risk for a calcium deficiency include post-menopausal women, women with irregular menstrual periods, vegetarians and individuals who are unable to digest milk products due to lactose intolerance, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Take calcium supplementation only under the supervision of your physician.
Considerations
If you're considering supplementing your calcium intake, keep in mind that calcium supplements can cause unwanted side effects, including increased incidence of kidney stones and constipation. Additionally, calcium supplements can impair the effectiveness of certain medications, including those prescribed to treat osteoporosis.
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