A Daily Bite of Chocolate May
Be Bad for Older Women’s Bones

Studies have shown that eating moderate amounts of chocolate can be good for your heart. But a recent study suggests eating this treat on a daily basis may weaken your bones, especially if you’re an older woman at risk for osteoporosis. Researchers studied the eating habits of about 1,000 women ages 70 to 85. Those who consumed chocolate every day had about 3 percent lower bone density than the women who rarely ate chocolate. The chocolate lovers also had less bone strength. Chocolate can be a source of calcium, which helps build strong bones. But it’s also high in oxalate, which can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium. That in turn may increase a woman’s risk for osteoporosis and fractures.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 87, No. 1