One recent study published in BMC Medicine analyzed data of over 26,000 middle-aged UK women. Researchers investigated the risk of hip fracture in occasional meat-eaters, pescatarians, people who eat fish but not meat, and vegetarians compared to regular meat-eaters.
Over a twenty-year observation period, 822 hip fractures were recorded, representing just over 3% of the sample population. After certain adjustments were made, including smoking and age, vegetarians were the only diet group with an increased risk of hip fracture. The study concluded that those with a vegetarian diet had a 33% higher risk of hip fracture compared to regular meat-eaters.
Lead study author James Webster said, “Our study highlights potential concerns regarding risk of hip fracture in women who have a vegetarian diet. However, it is not warning people to abandon vegetarian diets. As with any diet, it is important to understand personal circumstances and what nutrients are needed for a balanced healthy lifestyle.”
It has been previously noted that plant-based diets often reduce nutrient intake that is vital for bone and muscle health. These types of nutrients are normally found in larger quantities in meat and other animal products. Researchers now stress the need for more studies to investigate further why vegetarians are at a greater risk of hip fracture. The relationship between these key bone and muscle nutrients needs a better understanding.
Maintaining Joint and Bone Health
Whether you are vegetarian or not, your bones may require support to help them stay strong and healthy. Bone Rescue can help to support the maintenance and development of bones thanks to its unique formula, including strontium. Chemically similar to calcium, strontium can provide great support for aging bones. Bone Rescue contains 680 mg of strontium along with additional ingredients to help keep bones strong and healthy.
Joints can also be a common problem for those with bone problems, so it is essential to get the proper vitamins and nutrients to help keep them strong, flexible, and healthy. Healthy Joints contains multiple ingredients to help support and improve joint health. The primary ingredient in Health Joints is AprèsFlex®, an extract from Boswellia, which has been found in studies to provide rapid support for joint health and mobility. This unique formula also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which contain compounds that are some of the building blocks of healthy joints.