BIGON Sandbank

Beer could help to prevent weak bones and the likelihood of developing bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis, researchers have claimed.

The scientists behind the research said that the silicon levels in ale are a key ingredient for bone health, although the amount they actually help bones depends on the type of beer.

The findings published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, found that because beer is a rich source of dietary silicon, it can help cut the chance of developing diseases like osteoporosis.

Charles Bamforth, lead author of the study, said: "Beers containing high levels of malted barley and hops are richest in silicon.

"Wheat contains less silicon than barley because it is the husk of the barley that is rich in this element.

"While most of the silicon remains in the husk during brewing, significant quantities of silicon nonetheless are extracted into wort and much of this survives into beer."

Osteoporosis or low bone density costs the NHS more than £1 billion a year, with three million people in the UK affected by the disease.

Commenting on the research, Dr Claire Bowring of 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."

While Catherine Collins, dietician at St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust, added: "The bottom line is that this is an interesting study but of little clinical relevance at the moment; calcium and vitamin D are phenomenally more important than silica in maintaining bone health, along with weight bearing exercise.

"Silica is needed in such minute amounts that it is difficult to separate out beer from dietary sources as contributing much advantage in the UK diet. Plus, alcohol dose per pint of beer may confer greater advantage in terms of vascular health, and therefore nutrient delivery, compared to the amount of silica and its mooted benefits. A pint would give you the 6mg+ that may well be useful but the alcohol content and health concerns limit the recommendations to drink more!"