A new study suggests that vegetarian women are at increased risk of hip fractures later in life.
A vegetarian diet was described as a "bone and They often have low intakes of nutrients associated with muscle health."
The study, which included more than 26,000 women aged 35 to 69 across the UK, included vegetarians, pescatarians (people who eat fish but no meat), and occasional meat eaters. to assess the risk of hip fractures in people who eat meat eaters.
Experts from the University of Leeds found that only vegetarian women had an increased risk of hip fracture compared to women who ate meat regularly.
This data is drawn from a UK women's cohort study that follows women over time to assess risks between diet and health.
28% of her in the women's group are vegetarian and 1% are vegan.
James Webster, lead author of the study and a researcher in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Leeds, said:
“However, this is not a warning to people to abandon a vegetarian diet. It is important to understand the right nutrients.”
He added: These types of nutrients are found more in meat and other animal products than in plants, including protein, calcium, and other micronutrients.
"Low intakes of these nutrients can lead to decreased bone density and muscle mass and increased risk of hip fractures."
This study is an important step in understanding the potential long-term risks of plant-based diets
Professor Janet Cade
Study co-author Professor Janet Cade added: High economic costs resulting in loss of independence, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of other health problems.
"Plant-based diets are associated with worse bone health, but evidence for an association with hip fracture risk is lacking.
"This study is an important step in understanding the potential long-term risks that a plant-based diet may pose and what can be done to mitigate those risks.”
The researchers said more research is needed to assess whether similar results are seen in men.
