Black Tea May Fight Osteoporosis

The health of your bones is not something to take lightly. About one-third of all women older than 50 (and one-fifth of men) will break a bone due to osteoporosis, and a significant portion of these fractures will result in death.⁴

According to a recent study, black tea may actually help to combat osteoporosis. The results were published in the journal, Nature Medicine.

Black Tea Theaflavins Restore Bone Volume

Previous studies have indicated that caffeinated drinks may have a negative impact on bone health,¹ bringing into question the effects of black tea. For the current study, researchers from Japan investigated the relationship on animals. Osteoporotic mice were injected with TF3 (theaflavin-3), an antioxidant found in black tea.

According to the results of the study, the osteoporotic mice given TF3 had increases in bone volume, similar to mice without the disease.²

TF3 belongs to a class of antioxidants called theaflavins. It inhibits the action of a DNA methyltransferase, an enzyme that destroys bone tissue.

Should You Drink More Black Tea?

The Japanese study corroborates the results of previous investigations: Adult people who drink black tea have greater bone density.³ Therefore a cup or two a day is probably in your best interest.

However, the human equivalent of the amount of black tea given to the rats in the Japanese study is 60 cups — probably an unsafe amount to drink on a daily basis. A more practical approach is to take a theaflavin supplement.

Regardless, more research is needed to confirm the bone-related benefits of black tea.

The Bottom Line

Every health-conscious person should make an effort to maintain the health of their bones as they age. As such, black tea theaflavins may be worth working into your diet or supplement regimen.

References:

J Hum Nutr Diet. 2008 Apr; 159-64.
Nat Med. 2015 Mar;21(3):281-7.
Arch Intern Med. 2002 May 13;162(9):1001-6.
Available at: http://www.iofbonehealth.org/facts-statistics. Accessed April 21, 2015.

Adapted from Life Extension Blog September 2015.