Study shows vegetarian women have higher risk of hip fracture

for those who think diets vegetarians always healthyA study by scientists at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom warns. After evaluating data from 26,000 middle-aged women, the researchers found: Those on a vegetarian diet had a 33% higher risk of hip fracture more than their meat-eating counterparts.

Published July 11 in the scientific journal BMC MedicineThe study is one of the few studies to associate hip fracture risk in women with confirmed bone injury from hospital records.

The study included a population of 26,318 women, 822 of whom had hip fractures (3%). For comparison, the cohort was divided into occasional meat eaters, pescetarians (fish eaters), and vegetarians, as opposed to regular carnivores, i.e. Eating five or more servings of meat per week.

Why are vegetarian women at greater risk of fractures?

According to the study’s lead author, James Webster, vegetarian diets “generally provide less of the bone and muscle health nutrients. These types of nutrients are typically more abundant in meat and other animal products than in plants, although they vary greatly from person to person. such as protein, calcium and other micronutrients“.

The absence of these nutrients in the diet can result in lower bone mineral density and muscle mass, according to the study. Both events can lead to an increased risk of fracture.

According to Webster, although the study raises “possible concerns about the risk of hip fractures in women on a vegetarian diet,” this does not mean that people should quit this diet.. A PhD student in Food Science and Nutrition says the important thing is for vegetarians to know the nutrients needed for a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

ARTICLE – BMC Medicine – DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02468-0.