Vitamin D intake affects breast density
Tseng et al, 2007, Breast Cancer Research, 9:R72

Breast density is affected by vitamin D intake in women with a family history of breast cancer. The researchers found that among 157 high-risk women, breast density was inversely associated with vitamin D intake. Women in the 3rd tertile for vitamin D, with a median of daily intake of 737 IU, had an odds ratio of 0.5 for higher breast density compared with those in the first tertile with a median intake of 164 IU.

Vitamin D may lower breast density through the anti-proliferative and proapoptic effects of its biological active form, 1,25 dihydrovitamin D or through modulation of the immune system.

(Editor: Increased breast density on mammogram increases the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Thus, taking vitamin D in sufficient quantities daily may help in reducing this risk by reducing breast density. In addition to the vitamin D from exposure to the sun, vitamin D supplements of 600-800IU daily is advisable. ) 

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Tea drinking may help preserve Hip structure in Elderly women
Devine et al, 2007, Am J Clin Nutri, 86:1243-1247

Impaired hip structure is an independent predictor for osteoporotic hip fracture. Previous studies have shown that drinking tea has been associated with a higher bone mass and a reduced risk of hip fracture.

This 5-year prospective study on 164 women aged 70-85 years showed that the mean total hip bone mineral density (BMD) was 2.8% greater in tea drinkers than in non-tea drinkers. Tea drinkers lost an average of 1.6% of total hip BMD, whereas non-tea drinkers lost 4.0%. Tea drinkers also showed higher energy levels.

The authors conclude that tea drinking is associated with preservation of hip structure in elderly women, and provides further evidence of the beneficial effects of tea consumption on the skeleton.

Dietary calcium, coffee intake, physical activity and smoking did not influence this relationship between tea and BMD.

(Editor: Studies have always shown that postmenopausal women taking calcium alone does not benefit their bones. From this study report, it is wise to drink more tea on a regular basis to protect your bones. ( This study presumably refers to tea other than Chinese tea ).