Beer may promote bone health

Findings of the study suggest that beer contains dietary silicon, a key supplement that helps in enhancing bone mineral density.

Details of the study
To come up with this finding, researchers from the University of California tested 100 commercial beers, and their production methods.

Silicon is present in soluble form in beer, orthosilicic acid (OSA), which makes it easier to be absorbed by the body.

They found that lighter beers, especially pale malted ales, and lagers containing malted barley, and hops had the highest levels of silicon, which is known to prevent weak bones as well as boosting the formation of new bones.

On the other hand, beers made from grains like corn, and wheat have the lowest levels of silicon. They may not be as beneficial for the bones as beers with high silicon content, the researchers stated.

When extra heat is used in malting the beer, it destroys the silicon content in the beverage, they said. But beers with most hops have the highest silicon content.

"Beer containing high levels of malted barley and hops are richest in silicon. It is the husk of the barley that is rich in this element. While most remains during brewing, significant quantities are none the less extracted into wort and survive into beer," said Charles Bamforth, who led the study.

Increased alcohol intake harmful
The study suggests that moderate consumption of beer could help in combating osteoporosis, a disease of the skeletal system characterized by low bone density, and deterioration of bone tissue.

However, findings of the study by no means imply that people should start increasing their alcohol intake as higher amounts have been shown to decrease the bone density, thus risking bone health.

Dr Claire Bowring, from the National Osteoporosis Society, said, "These findings mirror results from previous studies which concluded that moderate alcohol consumption could be beneficial to bones.

"However, while the National Osteoporosis Society welcomes measures to improve bone health we do not recommend anyone increases their alcohol consumption on the basis of these studies."

The study appears in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.