(October 15, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Washington - Researchers from the National Institutes of Health are reporting that the number of Americans with high blood pressure is rising, in large part due to the increasing obesity rate. The researchers found that, as of 2004, 29% of adults had high blood pressure, a 5% increase from the previous decade, with another 30% suffering from prehypertension. High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.

From Toronto - According to research in Public Library of Science Medicine, vitamin K supplements do not stop age-related bone loss. In a study of 440 women with osteopenia, vitamin K, which is typically found in leafy green vegetables, was found to be no better at preventing the loss of bone mineral density than placebo. However, those taking vitamin K supplements were less likely to suffer a fracture or be diagnosed with cancer.

And finally, from Boston - According to research in the Archives of Internal Medicine, caffeine consumption does not increase the overall risk of breast cancer. In a study of over 38,000 women, researchers found no statistically significant association between caffeine and overall breast cancer risk. However, the researchers warn that women who consume a high amount of caffeine may increase their risk of breast cancer if they already have benign breast disease.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.