Vegetarianism increased the risk of proximal femur fracture regardless of sex
The risk of proximal femur fractures was found to be higher in vegetarians, regardless of gender. But the health benefits of a vegetarian diet, including reduced chances of cancer and cardiovascular disease, outweigh the possible risk.Researchers from the University of Leeds in Austria studied the effect of diet on the risk of fracture of the proximal femur. The results of the study are published in the journal BMC Medicine.
Compared to people who regularly ate meat, the risk of proximal femur fracture was 50% higher among vegetarians and only 8% higher among pescetarians (those who refuse to eat warm-blooded meat). The incidence of fractures did not differ between regular or infrequent meat consumption. Mediation analysis showed that part of the increase in fracture risk among vegetarians (by 28%) was associated with lower body mass index. Gender and age had no effect on the likelihood of fractures.
They analyzed data from 413,914 men and women with different dietary patterns: vegetarians, pescetarians, and people who rarely (no more than five times a week) or regularly consumed meat. The average follow-up time was 12.5 years. Proximal femur fractures were recorded in 3,503 participants.
Scientists noted that vegetarians need to ensure adequate nutrient intake and maintain adequate body weight in order to maintain bone and muscle health against the background of the diet. The authors of the study believe that the health benefits of a vegetarian diet, including reducing the likelihood of cancer and cardiovascular disease, outweigh the possible risk of proximal femur fracture.