Key points from article :
People following a vegetarian diet were at a higher risk for hip fractures compared to those who ate meat or fish.
An observational study included data of over 400,000 participants (age, 40-69 years) from the UK Biobank.
Subjects were grouped into 4 categories: regular meat-eaters, occasional meat-eaters, pescatarians (eat fish but not meat), vegetarians.
People who follow a vegetarian diet were at a 50% higher risk of hip fracture compared to meat-eaters and pescatarians.
Researchers speculate that vegetarians could have lower BMI, which could reduce cushioning from falls.
Lower protein levels and other key nutrients could lead to weaker muscles and bones.
“The health benefits of a vegetarian diet, including a lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, may outweigh any increases in hip fracture risk,” - James Webster, study author.
"Since there was no difference in risk between occasional and regular meat-eaters, reducing meat intake from the diet doesn’t seem to affect hip fracture risk,” - Webster.
Further studies to confirm if vegetarian diets cause an increase in hip fracture risk.
Within each group, there is potential for varied quality of diets, which could influence the risk for hip fractures.
Plant protein like beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds, as well as sources of iron, B12, and vitamin D can help support having an optimum nutrition intake and for bone health.
Study by University of Leeds, published in BMC Medicine.
