Beverage consumption on bone and joint disorders: an umbrella review

Bone and joint disorders significantly contribute to disability worldwide. While meta-analyses have explored the relationship of these diseases and beverage consumption, the results remain inconsistent. In this umbrella review, we synthesised existing evidence to clarify these associations.

We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science up to January 2025. Two independent reviewers screened studies and extracted data based on predefined criteria. We included meta-analyses and systematic review studies. We used the Graphical Representation of Overlap for Overviews tool to manage overlapping studies and assessed methodological quality and evidence levels using AMSTAR 2 tool and the GRADE system. We narratively synthesised the findings and summarised them in tables.

We included 20 meta-analyses. Tea consumption was associated with a reduced risk of osteoporosis (odds ratio (OR) = 0.71; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.60, 0.83; P < 0.0001; I² = 13%), while coffee showed mixed results. Alcohol intake increased osteoporosis risk (OR = 2.95; 95% CI = 1.78, 4.9; P < 0.0001; I² = 0%). Sugar-sweetened beverages raised gout risk (relative risk (RR) = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.18, 1.55, P < 0.05; I² = 40.1%) and serum uric acid levels, while coffee lowered gout risk (RR = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.31, 0.59; P < 0.001; I² = 0%). Coffee was associated with a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.62; P < 0.05; I² = 0%), while tea showed no significant effect.

Tea may benefit bone and joint health, while alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages are associated with a higher incidence of bone and joint conditions, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. These findings emphasise the importance of dietary choices in preventing bone and joint disorders.

PROSPERO (CRD42024551504).