Women were recruited as part of a community-based health
and BMD study conducted between 1991 and 1995. All women
aged 65-76 y on the population age-sex registers of participating
general practices in Cambridge, United Kingdom, were sent let-
ters informing them of the study. Selection was not based on
health status. Approximately half of the women who were con-
tacted agreed to participate in the study. Each woman completed
a questionnaire about health and lifestyle characteristics that
included questions on daily tea and coffee intake. Participants
attended the Bone Density Unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital,
Cambridge. Height and weight were measured by trained
observers and body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) was calculated.
The protocol was approved by the Cambridge Health Authority.