Carbonated beverage consumption and bone mineral density among older women: the Rancho Bernardo Study.

OBJECTIVES The association between carbonated beverage consumption and bone mineral density was examined in a community-based cohort of older White women. METHODS One thousand women 44 to 98 years of age had bone mineral density measured at four sites and provided medical and behavioral histories, including type and quantity of carbonated beverages consumed. RESULTS Bone mineral density levels were not associated with intake of any type of carbonated beverage after adjustment for age, obesity, calcium intake, exercise, and current use of tobacco and alcohol, thiazides, estrogen, or thyroid hormone. CONCLUSIONS Modest intake of carbonated beverages does not appear to have adverse effects on bone mineral density in older women.