Tea may lower women's hip fracture risk, study finds

Drinking tea may be associated with modestly stronger hip bones in women, potentially reducing the risk of hip fractures later in life, according to a decade-long analysis from Flinders University in Adelaide. The study tracked 10 years of data on women's tea and coffee habits and paired the information with detailed bone scans of the hip, a key predictor of fracture risk.

Overall, tea drinkers showed slightly higher bone mineral density at the femoral neck than non-drinkers, a difference that experts described as statistically significant, even if small in magnitude. The researchers also found that heavy coffee consumption may be linked to lower bone density. Those who drank more than five cups of coffee per day had lower bone mineral density, suggesting a higher risk of hip fractures later in life. Catechins in tea are thought to promote bone formation and slow bone breakdown, while caffeine can interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium, a mineral essential for maintaining strong bones. The researchers noted that the effects are small and can be offset by adding milk.

The study also highlighted that the potential bone-protective effect of tea was more evident in certain groups, though some findings require cautious interpretation due to limited numbers. Co-author Ryan Yan Liu said that even modest improvements in bone density can translate into fewer fractures when applied across large populations. He added that the results help explain how everyday lifestyle habits—such as drinking tea or coffee—could influence osteoporosis risk, a condition that affects around three million people in the UK and is characterized by bones that become thinner and more fragile over time.

While tea and coffee can influence bone health, the message from the researchers was clear: these are small, supplementary factors. 'Our results don't mean you need to give up coffee or start drinking tea by the gallon,' said Dr Enwu Liu. 'But they do suggest that moderate tea consumption could be one simple way to support bone health, and that very high coffee intake might not be ideal, especially for women who drink alcohol.' He noted that calcium and vitamin D remain cornerstones of bone health, and that the content of beverages could still contribute in meaningful ways. 'For older women, enjoying a cup of tea may be more than a comforting ritual; it could be a small step toward stronger bones.'