A recent large-scale study conducted by researchers at the University of Leeds has found that both men and women who follow a vegetarian diet have a 50 per cent higher risk of hip fracture than those who regularly consume meat. The study analyzed data from 413,914 individuals, examining the impact of various dietary habits on the risk of hip fractures.
The participants were categorized into different diet groups, including regular meat eaters (who consumed meat five or more times a week), occasional meat eaters (who consumed meat less than five times a week), pescatarians (those who ate fish but not meat), and vegetarians (who could consume dairy foods but not fish or meat). The data was linked to their hospital records, and hip fracture cases were recorded during the follow-up period until 2021.
The findings showed that both male and female vegetarians faced a 50 per cent higher risk of hip fracture compared to regular meat eaters, and this risk remained consistent across genders. Interestingly, pescatarians also showed a slightly higher risk compared to regular meat eaters, but the difference was not statistically significant.
To put the results into perspective, the researchers estimated that, on average, 6.5 regular meat eaters and 6.5 occasional meat eaters would experience a hip fracture, whereas 7 pescatarians and 9.5 vegetarians would experience the same. Although the overall risk of hip fracture is relatively low, the study highlights a notable increase in risk for vegetarians.
The researchers also attempted to identify potential factors contributing to this increased risk among vegetarians. They found that vegetarians were about 17 per cent less likely to meet protein recommendations compared to meat eaters, and low body mass index (BMI) appeared to be a significant contributing factor to the elevated risk of hip fracture.
While the findings are concerning, it is essential to keep in mind that the health benefits of a vegetarian diet have been widely recognized, including a lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. The study’s lead researcher, James Webster, points out that despite the increased risk of hip fracture, the overall health benefits of a vegetarian diet may still outweigh the negatives.
To mitigate the risk of hip fracture among vegetarians, the researchers emphasize the importance of ensuring a balanced diet with sufficient protein intake and maintaining a healthy BMI. Adequate protein consumption is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and muscles, and addressing this aspect could help reduce the risk of hip fractures among vegetarians.
Professor Janet Cade, who supervised the research, believes that while vegetarian diets have their advantages, understanding diet quality and the balance of key nutrients is essential to reducing the risk of hip fractures and improving future bone health.
The study sheds light on the increased risk of hip fracture among both male and female vegetarians compared to regular meat eaters. While this is a concerning finding, individuals following a vegetarian diet can take proactive measures to safeguard their bone health, such as ensuring adequate protein intake and maintaining a healthy BMI. As with any dietary choice, it’s crucial to strike a balance and prioritize overall nutritional needs to maintain optimal health and well-being.
