Interaction between caffeine and bone health

With variability in results existing in research, it is difficult to draw conclusions on the potential mechanisms behind caffeine and coffee’s impact on bone health.

Caffeine competes with adenosine at the adenosine receptors. Adenosine regulates bone metabolism in a complex manner, with in vitro studies suggesting that direct stimulation of adenosine receptors encourages bone formation. Consequently, competitive inhibition of adenosine receptors by caffeine may inhibit bone formation and promote bone resorption (the regular process by which bone is naturally renewed and reformed), although further research is required¹².

Human studies suggest that caffeine may also interfere with calcium absorption, increase calcium loss through urine, and reduce the activity of vitamin D receptors and bone-forming enzymes inosteoblasts¹³. These combined effects could lower bone mineral density, potentially raising the risk of fractures and osteoporosis¹³.

Further research is required to clarify the overall impact of coffee and caffeine consumption on bone health and the potential mechanisms behind this.

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