An Occasional Drink May Aid Bone Strength.

Source: Tufts University
December 15, 2000 (Reviewed: February 16, 2003)

Introduction

Preserving bone strength is a major health issue for women. This is especially true after menopause, when the loss of estrogen accelerates the rate of mineral loss from bones and increases the risk of osteoporosis. While doctors believe that a high intake of alcohol leads to weakened bones and increases the risk of fractures, a study in a recent issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that a light-to-moderate intake of alcohol may, in fact, aid bone health in women.

A little background on bone

Bone is made up of collagen (a soft protein) and calcium phosphate, the mineral compound that gives bones their strength. Bone tissue is constantly in a state of flux, as new bone forms and old bone dissolves. This process favors bone formation until about age 30, when bones gradually begin to lose the minerals that contribute strength. While this process is, to some degree, driven by age and genetics, scientists know that some lifestyle factors, like diet, can help preserve bone strength in older women.

Evaluating the effect of small amounts of alcohol on bone health

Researchers collected information on the self-reported alcohol intake of 445 women aged 65 to 77. They assessed each participant's total bone mineral density, as well as that of their hips, arms, and spines. They also measured the levels of certain substances in the blood that control the movement of minerals in and out of bones, a process called "remodeling." The researchers found that an alcohol intake equal to about two to four drinks per week was associated with higher total bone mineral density, as well as higher bone density in the spine and arm. They also found lower levels of some of the blood chemicals that control bone mineral turnover in light-to-moderate drinkers, an indication that less remodeling was taking place in these women.

Several studies, in fact, have shown an association between moderate alcohol intake and greater bone strength in postmenopausal women. Some scientists think, as the results of this study suggest, that alcohol may contribute to a reduced rate of bone mineral turnover that helps maintain bone density. But how much alcohol is "just enough" and how much is too much is still under debate. In this study, the bone-strengthening benefits of alcohol peaked at an intake of about four to five drinks per week; more than that did not show any additional benefit to bone strength.

Should you add alcohol to your diet, if you don't drink now?

The message of this study is clearly not to "drink to your health." The authors point out that there is still much to learn about the effect of alcohol on bone mineral metabolism. In the meantime, the consistent advice on how best to minimize the risk of osteoporosis remains the same. Consume a diet with adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D, exercise regularly, and check with your physician to see if medications designed to help preserve bone strength should be part of your healthcare plan.

Source

• Alcohol intake and bone metabolism in elderly women. R. Rapuri, J. Gallagher, K. Balhorn, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition., 2000, vol. 72, pp. 1206--1213

Related Links
What are the chances of preventing osteoporosis ?
How To Avoid Osteoporosis
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