From the Popular Press: What Your Patients are Reading:

Recent research suggests that cola consumption may compromise bone health. A high consumption of soda and carbonated beverages—especially cola products—is associated with lower bone mass. Soda consumption is believed to affect bone density in multiple ways: for one, people tend to replace more nutritious beverages, such as milk and calcium-fortified juice, with soda. This replacement deprives people of the vitamins and minerals necessary for good bone health. The caffeine in cola may also lead to a decreased bone density, as it has previously been linked to an increased risk for osteoporosis in studies. Finally, the phosphoric acid found in colas can create an imbalance in the body, which needs calcium to properly neutralize the phosphate. Milk delivers the body a properly balanced amount of phosphate and calcium together, but colas force the body to take calcium from bones to neutralize the phosphoric acid. Decreased calcium is associated with bone thinning and the development of osteoporosis, which can lead to fractures. Postmenopausal women are more prone to developing osteoporosis, and thus women should be especially conscious of their cola consumption. Experts recommend limiting consumption to 1 to 2 glasses of cola per week. Women should also take a calcium supplement and exercise, which both promote good bone health.

Read the full text of the article on healthday.com