Calcium is essential for bone health. Drinking coffee in moderation will not harm the body, but may cause interactions with calcium by potentially reducing the body's ability to absorb calcium.
Coffee beans contain natural caffeine. Caffeine is a medication that can prevent the body from absorbing calcium. When caffeine is in the body, calcium will be excreted more easily.
Therefore, the US National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that we avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages 30 minutes before eating or drinking calcium. It is estimated that for every 150 mg of caffeine, 5 milligrams of calcium are excreted in the urine.
Older adults, especially women, may need to adjust their caffeine intake. Those who regularly drink coffee can try to compensate for lost calcium by adding milk or calcium to your diet.
If your diet doesn't have enough calcium, your body will start taking calcium from your teeth and bones. Men and women age 50 and younger should supplement with 1,000 mg of calcium, while adults over 50 should increase their daily intake to 1,200 mg.
