2014考研英语：阅读理解高分强化训练(四)
Passage Two
Many Americans often reach for a sugary, caffeineated soda to quench their thirst. But aside from the increased risk of obesity and diabetes, regular consumption of cola might lead to lower bone mineral density in older women and increase their risk of osteoporosis, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Katherine Tucker, director of Tuft University's Epidemiology and Dietary Assessment Program, led her colleagues in a study that analyzed dietary questionnaires submitted by 1,125 men and 1,413 women between the ages of 29 and 86. Overall, participants were largely former smokers and moderate drinkers who were slightly overweight and, on average, men drank cola five times a week while women drank it four times a week. Density measurements show cola consumption significantly reduced bone mass in the hip regardless of the woman's age, menopausal status, intake of calcium and vitamin D and her history of smoking and alcohol consumption. Diet cola had a similar affect on women's bone density. By contrast, the bone density of male was not similarly affected.
What it means: A so-called silent disease, osteoporosis is progressive and often misunderstood as a natural consequence of aging. Four times as many women will develop osteoporosis than men and currently 10 million Americans suffer from it. But osteoporosis is preventable and the nearly 34 million Americans who have the potential to develop the disease can take steps to prevent it. Caffeine has been considered a risk factor for osteoporosis and phosphoric acid, found in cola, has been shown to reduce calcium absorption. Additionally, high fructose corn syrup might also weaken bone. It is important to note that at least one previous study showed a link between cola consumption and increases in the amount of calcium measured in urine.
This study shows that women are more sensitive to the effects of cola than men, but the mechanism is still unclear. Researchers ruled out the possibility that cola replaces healthier beverages, such as milk, in the diet that might lead to lower bone density. And to the point of gender, they suggest that more physical activity, a diet higher in calcium and different hormone levels might help protect males from the downside of drinking cola. Until further research is done, however, women (and men) can keep their bones strong with regular weight-bearing exercise and high intake of calcium and vitamin D.
