Q. My wife and I, 58 and 63, both take bone-density prescriptions and 1200 mg daily of calcium. We get bone density tests periodically.
Recently, a medical doctor my wife saw for the first time commented that if she was drinking colas, the calcium was being neutralized. Clear sodas like Sprite or 7-Up would be OK. This was very surprising news to us, as our other doctors have never warned of this interaction. Can you clarify this for us?
A. Scientists have been debating this issue for some time. Five years ago researchers reported that decaf sodas did not affect calcium loss or contribute to osteoporosis (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Sept. 2001).
New research in the same journal (Oct. 2006) suggests that cola consumption is associated with reduced bone mineral density in older women. Non-cola soft drinks were not linked to such problems. The authors conclude that “women who are concerned about osteoporosis may want to avoid the regular use of cola beverages.��?
The People's Perspective on Medicine