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As always, moderation is the key....
Can fizzy drinks damage my bones?
Carbonated drinks have been linked to weaker bones in several studies. There is some evidence to show that teenage girls who drink carbonated drinks are three times more likely to suffer broken bones than those who avoid them.
One theory is that phosphoric acid (an artificial version of phosphorous) used as a preservative in some fizzy drinks competes with calcium to make bones strong. Although phosphorous and calcium are both needed in equal amounts for bone health, too much phosphorous can prevent absorption of calcium. This can increase the risk of bone fractures later in life.
However, more recent research shows that caffeine - rather than phosphoric acid - is to blame for weaker bones.
The study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that some fizzy drinks containing caffeine - such as cola drinks - can cause our bodies to excrete more calcium in our urine than normal.
But Catherine Collins of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) says we would have to drink a lot of cola flavoured drinks to harm our bones.
She says: 'Any significant calcium loss would mean drinking two to three litres a day of cola drinks. If you try to limit your cola intake to one to two a day, there is no health risk.' she says.
She does warn, however, that your bones may suffer if you drink mainly fizzy drinks - rather than varying your choice. Milk, in particular, is important for bone health.
She says: 'It is important to vary your liquid consumption by choosing drinks from a variety of sources such as fruit juice, milk, tea and coffee.'
'Alternating drinks in this way means you'll be getting a range of nutrients from your drinks and won't be missing out on vitamins for growth and calcium for bone building.'
by NAOMI COLEMAN, (femail).
Can fizzy drinks damage my bones?
Carbonated drinks have been linked to weaker bones in several studies. There is some evidence to show that teenage girls who drink carbonated drinks are three times more likely to suffer broken bones than those who avoid them.
One theory is that phosphoric acid (an artificial version of phosphorous) used as a preservative in some fizzy drinks competes with calcium to make bones strong. Although phosphorous and calcium are both needed in equal amounts for bone health, too much phosphorous can prevent absorption of calcium. This can increase the risk of bone fractures later in life.
However, more recent research shows that caffeine - rather than phosphoric acid - is to blame for weaker bones.
The study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that some fizzy drinks containing caffeine - such as cola drinks - can cause our bodies to excrete more calcium in our urine than normal.
But Catherine Collins of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) says we would have to drink a lot of cola flavoured drinks to harm our bones.
She says: 'Any significant calcium loss would mean drinking two to three litres a day of cola drinks. If you try to limit your cola intake to one to two a day, there is no health risk.' she says.
She does warn, however, that your bones may suffer if you drink mainly fizzy drinks - rather than varying your choice. Milk, in particular, is important for bone health.
She says: 'It is important to vary your liquid consumption by choosing drinks from a variety of sources such as fruit juice, milk, tea and coffee.'
'Alternating drinks in this way means you'll be getting a range of nutrients from your drinks and won't be missing out on vitamins for growth and calcium for bone building.'
by NAOMI COLEMAN, (femail).
