Beer 'can help prevent weak bones'

US researchers have suggested that drinking beer containing high levels of silicon could help prevent weak bones.

Beer is a significant source of dietary silicon, which according to the study - reported in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture - is a key ingredient for increasing bone mineral density. Studies show nearly 50% of the silicon in beer can be easily absorbed by the body.

Experts at University of California, Davis, found that consumption of beer could help cut the chance of developing diseases like osteoporosis.

However, they highlighted that beers containing malted barley and hops have higher silicon content than those made from wheat.

The study, which examined 100 commercial beers and their production methods, added that some light lagers made from grains like corn have the lowest levels of silicon.

Study leader, Charles Bamforth 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."

The National Osteoporosis Society welcomed the measures to improve bone health, but also said that "we do not recommend anyone increases their alcohol consumption on the basis of these studies".

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