STUDY: Stop drinking soda pop

JOURNAL: 25th ASBMR: Abstract SU259

AUTHORS: Katherine Tucker, PhD

ABSTRACT: Women who drink dark colas daily may have lower bone density than those who drink clear soda, according to findings of a study of women who were part of the Framingham Offspring Cohort.

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COMMENTARY: The problem appears to be increased levels of phosphoric acid, which can interfere with bone absorption. A typical can of cola contains 44 to 62 mg of phosphoric acid per 12 ounce serving, and diet cola contains 27 to 39 mg.

Data were presented on a total of 1,672 women and 1,148 men studied from 1996 to 2001. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements were taken at the spine and three sites of the hip. The cohort was divided into two groups, those who consumed cola daily and those who drank cola (or other sorts of carbonated beverages including clear sodas) once a week or less.

The average daily phosphorus level of cola drinkers was 1,146 mg compared with 1,105 mg in nondaily cola drinkers, but this included all dietary sources.

Among the female subjects, regular cola drinkers had decreased BMD compared with the infrequent drinkers. BMD was 2.3% lower in the trochanter, 3.3% lower in the femoral neck, and 5.1% lower in Ward's area.