PETA ad claims beer better than milk for bones, sparks controversy

A recent advertisement by an animal rights organization has sparked debate by suggesting that beer consumption could benefit bone health. The video, released on PETA's YouTube channel, claims that beer can prevent bone loss and osteoporosis due to its silicon content, and suggests it might be healthier than cow's milk when consumed in moderation. However, medical experts have criticized the ad, calling it a "dangerous misrepresentation of scientific research" that could mislead the public. They emphasize that alcohol consumption is actually a risk factor for osteoporosis.

The advertisement, which promotes beer as a bone-healthy alternative to milk, has been scrutinized in reports featuring insights from Dr. Mukesh Kapoor, a senior principal scientist at the Central Food Technological Research Institute. Kapoor argues that the ad cherry-picks data to support its claims. He notes that the study referenced in the ad, conducted by researchers at the University of California Davis, analyzed silicon levels in 100 commercial beers but did not investigate any direct link to bone health.

The study found that beers contained an average of 29.4 mg/L of silicon, with India Pale Ales having the highest content at 41.2 mg/L. However, gastroenterologist Dr. Anand Chandra points out that in countries like India, where mild lagers dominate the market, the ad's claims are misleading. He explains that Indian lagers, which often use rice in brewing, have lower silicon levels, making the silicon content argument irrelevant for these beers.

Medical professionals continue to highlight that alcohol consumption increases fracture risk. Dr. Chandra reiterates that alcohol is a risk factor for osteoporosis and describes the claims about beer's bone-health benefits as premature. While some research has shown a connection between dietary silicon and bone health, such as a 2004 study linking higher silicon intake to increased hip bone density in men and premenopausal women, experts advise that these benefits can be obtained from whole grains and vegetables instead.