Alcohol may boost bone density

A new study shows that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may help protect women against osteoporosis.

A new study shows that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may help protect women against osteoporosis. The finding is based on 46 pairs of identical female twins. With each pair of twins, one drank moderate amounts of alcohol while the other drank very little, reported Friday’s CRI online. Researchers measured the twins’ bone mineral density at the hip and spine and found moderate drinking, an average of eight units of alcohol a week was associated with significantly denser bones. They suggest alcohol may improve the micro-architecture of the bones. (Source: Associated Press, July 2004)