Beer's a bone-builder, say experts

Published on Sunday 7 February 2010 21:55

BEER is a rich source of a nutrient that can help prevent weak bones – but it depends what type you drink.

As one of the nation's favourite tipples, dietary silicon in beer can help cut the chance of developing diseases such as osteoporosis, researchers say.

However, health experts are warning against using beer as a source of the nutrient. And not all beers are the same, with those containing malted barley and hops having higher silicon content than beers made from wheat.

According to the study from researchers at the University of California, beer was a major source of dietary silicon – roughly half of the silicon in beer can be readily absorbed by the body.

Dr Claire Bowring, from the National Osteoporosis Society, said: "While the society welcomes measures to improve bone health we do not recommend anyone increases their alcohol consumption on the basis of these studies.

"There are also many other health concerns linked with alcohol which cannot be ignored."

Catherine Collins, a dietician at St George's Healthcare NHS Trust in London, said:

"Sources of silicon do include beer – either alcohol-containing or alcohol-free.

It is found in different amounts in water, so contributes to beer's total silica content.

"Silica may well contribute to bone health but in a minor way. It is not really significant compared with nutrients we know are essential for bone health and are potentially deficient in the UK diet such as calcium and vitamin D."