“Having one or two glasses of wine or beer daily can improve bone density and keep bones strong, with effects even more significant than calcium.” This latest news published in the *American Journal of Clinical Nutrition* is sure to delight those who enjoy a casual drink, as they now have a legitimate reason to say they are supplementing their calcium intake. “This statement has some truth to it, but it shouldn't be used as an excuse to drink,” warns Dr. Hua Xin from the Nutrition Department at Beijing Friendship Hospital. Silicon is an essential substance for protecting bones, especially joints, and is abundant in some grains and grapes. This explains why drinking a moderate amount of wine and beer can be beneficial for bone health.
Therefore, for certain populations with significant bone loss, such as women over 40 or the elderly, if they have a habit of drinking, it may be advisable to switch from spirits to wine or beer. Consuming about one glass a day as a supplementary measure for preventing and treating osteoporosis is acceptable.
However, experts do not recommend that the general public adopt this method to supplement their silicon intake. This is because silicon is present in many foods, such as bamboo shoots, lettuce, and whole grains, and a normal diet can fully meet the body's needs. Moreover, many factors affect bone repair, such as vitamin D intake, the pressure on bones from exercise, and the supplementation of other nutrients like phosphorus, iron, and protein. In fact, from a purely dietary perspective, milk is still the best option for preventing and treating osteoporosis due to its comprehensive nutritional profile. Therefore, wine cannot replace milk.
“Some foreign studies, particularly in the field of diet, may be valid, but like dietary therapy, one must be mindful of the specific amounts and effects. They shouldn't be taken out of context,” H Xin reminds.