Drinking Tea Exerts Beneficial Effects on Bone Structure in Elderly Women "Tea drinking is associated with benefits on bone density in older women," Devine A, Hodgson JM, et al, (Address: Devine, Nutrition Program, School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Science, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup WA 6027 Australia. E-mail: a.devine@ecu.edu.au ). Summary: In a study involving a cross-sectional analysis of the relation between tea intake and hip structure and a prospective analysis of the relation between tea intake and hip structure over 4 years of follow-up, results indicate that tea drinking (black tea and green tea, but not herbal tea) exerts beneficial effects on bone structure by reducing bone loss in elderly women. In a cross-sectional analysis involving 1,027 women aged 70-85 years, usual tea intake was assessed by using a questionnaire, and hip structure was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) areal bone mineral density (aBMD). Total hip aBMD was 2.8% greater in tea drinkers than in non-tea drinkers. In a prospective analysis involving 164 elderly women, the relation of tea intake at baseline with change in aBMD over a 4 year period was assessed. After 4 years, tea drinkers showed an average loss of 1.6% of their total hip aBMD, compared to baseline, whereas non-tea drinkers showed an average loss of 4.0% of their total aBMD, compared to baseline. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Tea drinking is associated with preservation of hip structure in elderly women. This finding provides further evidence of the beneficial effects of tea consumption on the skeleton." Am J Clin Nutr, 2007; 86(4): 1243-7 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.