A large new study published in the journal Nutrients has shown that drinking tea may be associated with stronger, denser bones in older women, while very high coffee consumption may have negative effects on bone health. These conclusions were drawn from an analysis of data from nearly 10,000 women aged 65 and older who were followed for ten years as part of the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures.

Researchers measured bone mineral density (BMD) in the hip and femoral neck — two critically important areas that are particularly vulnerable to osteoporosis — and tracked how much tea or coffee the participants drank daily.

The scientists found that women who regularly consumed tea had slightly higher bone density in the pelvic area compared to those who did not drink tea. Although this difference was modest, it was statistically significant, meaning it was unlikely to be due to chance, and such small increases in density may reduce fracture risk over time in large populations.

As for coffee, the overall picture was more nuanced: moderate consumption — around two to three cups a day — was not associated with poorer bone health. However, drinking more than five cups a day was linked to lower bone density, suggesting potential harm from excessive intake.

The researchers also noted that coffee’s negative impact was more pronounced among women with a high lifetime alcohol intake, whereas tea appeared to be particularly beneficial for women with obesity. According to the authors, tea’s positive effects may be related to its catechins and other compounds that laboratory studies suggest can promote bone formation and slow bone loss.

The authors emphasize that the results do not call for drastic changes in habits: moderate tea and coffee consumption remains safe, but a daily cup of tea may serve as a simple additional measure to support bone health in older age, alongside classic recommendations for calcium and vitamin D.