The role of coffee consumption on bone geometrical properties in young females consuming a high habitual calcium diet

Abstract

Coffee consumption in young adults has increased in recent years. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of coffee consumption on bone geometrical properties in females who consume a high habitual calcium diet. Thirty‐eight females aged 18‐24y provided detailed information on diet, medical, and fracture history. Nutrition assessment and bone geometrical measurements by peripheral quantitative computer tomography (pQCT) were conducted. Unpaired student's t‐tests revealed a significant difference in total density of the radius between non‐coffee consumers and coffee consumers (441.64 g/cm3 vs. 404.07 g/cm3; p = 0.0475). Differences were also observed for radial trabecular density (209.60 g/cm3 vs. 183.79 g/cm3; p = 0.0402) but not radial cortical density. Non‐coffee consumers also had higher ulnar trabecular density compared to the coffee consumers (238.49 g/cm3 vs. 208.06 g/cm3; p= 0.0243). No significant differences in total area, cortical area, and trabecular area of the radius and ulna were observed. The findings of this study suggest that coffee consumption may lead to reduced bone quality; consequently, increasing one's risk for fracture.