Protective Effects of Alcohol on Bone Health

Although findings not consistent several studies have reported an inverse association between moderate alcohol intake and bone mineral density, especially in women who are postmenopausal.

This suggests that alcohol may help prevent osteoporosis. However only a moderate intake of alcohol is good for bones, but not for heavy alcohol use.

Moderate alcohol intake appears to have a positive benefit, i.e. increased bone mass. On the other hand, individuals who ingest excessive amounts of alcohol tend to have reduced intake and impaired absorption of both vitamin D and calcium.

Moderate drinking can be defined as one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks a for men. One single drink is defined as 1.5 ounces of proof distilled spirits, for example, 12 ounces of beer or 5 ounces of wine.

However, as osteoporosis is so dependent on lifetime diet, physical activity, obesity, and other factors, it is probably that alcohol does not play an important role in osteoporosis.

In contrast to the situation with osteoporosis high levels of drinking cause loss of balance and falls, leading to an increased risk of hip or wrist fracture.
Protective Effects of Alcohol on Bone Health