To examine the risk of soda intake with hip fractures, researchers studied 73,572 women from the Nurses’ Health Study.

After 30 years of follow-up, they found that each serving of soda per day was associated with a 14 percent increase in risk of hip fracture, according to a report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

The risk was elevated in consumers of both regular (19 percent) and diet (12 percent) soda.

The risk did not differ between colas and non-colas, or sodas with or without caffeine.

The authors concluded, “Increased soda consumption of all types may be associated with increased risk of hip fracture in postmenopausal women . . . ”

Hip fractures are too common. In the elderly, such fractures can lead to higher risk of mortality.

Soda is high in phosphorus. In order to buffer the excess phosphorus load, the body releases calcium and other minerals from bones, leading to poor bone health.

Unfortunately, taking calcium is not the answer; stopping soda ingestion and eating better is.

Children who drink too much soda are more at risk for bone and other health problems later in life.