A research study by the University of Leeds exposed that vegetarians have a 50% higher danger of hip fractures compared to meat eaters. Analyzing data from over 400,000 individuals, the research likewise suggested this danger is present amongst both ladies and guys.
A current large-scale research study discovered that vegetarians, no matter gender, have a 50% greater risk of hip fractures than routine meat eaters. Prospective causes may include low BMI and insufficient protein intake, yet the health benefits of a vegetarian diet might still surpass the threats.
Both women and men who follow a vegetarian diet plan deal with a 50% greater danger of a hip fracture compared to individuals who frequently eat meat, according to the results of a new massive research study.
Prior to this research study, it was recognized that vegetarian females were at a heightened threat of hip fractures, however the precise reasons stayed uncertain. Further, previous research studies taking a look at the effect of vegetarianism on mens fracture risk were small and produced undetermined outcomes.
Study Overview
Conducted by researchers at the University of Leeds, the recent research study evaluated data from 413,914 people, both women and men. It is the first study to recommend that vegetarian guys, similar to their female counterparts, deal with a greater danger of hip fracture than those who consume meat frequently. The research study likewise tried to recognize aspects contributing to this increased danger in– both male and female– vegetarians.
Participants in the research study, who were hired in between 2006 and 2010 as part of the UK Biobank project, offered dietary info. They were classified as regular meat eaters (consuming meat 5 or more times a week), occasional meat eaters (consuming meat fewer than 5 times a week), pescatarians (consuming fish but not meat), or vegetarians (consuming dairy foods but not fish or meat).
The individuals data was subsequently linked to their healthcare facility records to record cases of hip fractures up till 2021.
The results of the research study were published in the academic journal BMC Medicine under the title “Risk of hip fracture in meat-eaters, vegetarians, and pescatarians: a potential cohort study of 413,914 UK Biobank individuals.”
Study Findings
Of the 413,914 participants, there were 3503 cases of hip fractures, representing a total incidence rate of less than one percent (0.8%).
Although the general threat of having a hip fracture was low, the relative risk for vegetarians compared to routine meat eaters was considerable. The scientists found:
It is the first study to suggest that vegetarian males, much like their female counterparts, face a greater threat of hip fracture than those who consume meat routinely. The research study also attempted to determine factors contributing to this increased threat in– both male and female– vegetarians.
” Additionally, vegetarians were about 17% less most likely to meet protein recommendations than meat-eaters. Essential messages from our research study are that vegetarians need to ensure they are getting a well balanced diet plan with enough protein and maintain a healthy BMI. This will assist vegetarians to preserve healthy bones and muscles.”
Relative Risks and Real-World Cases
The scientists determined how these relative differences might equate to real-world cases.
They predicted typically 6.5 routine meat eaters and 6.5 periodic meat eaters would experience a hip fracture, while there would be 7 cases amongst pescatarians and 9.5 cases among vegetarians.
James Webster, a doctoral scientist in the School of Food Science and Nutrition who led the study, said: “Hip fractures are a growing issue in an aging society, and can set off debilitating health conditions and a loss of lifestyle.
” This research study shows that whilst vegetarians deal with a greater risk of hip fracture than meat-eaters– at 50%– this translates to just 3 more hip fractures per 1000 individuals over 10 years. The health advantages of a vegetarian diet plan, including a lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, may still outweigh any boosts in hip fracture risk.”
Prospective Causes and Recommendations
Webster continued, “Our analysis recommends that low BMI may be a crucial aspect in why their threat is greater.
” Additionally, vegetarians were about 17% less most likely to satisfy protein recommendations than meat-eaters. Essential messages from our research study are that vegetarians need to ensure they are getting a well balanced diet with enough protein and preserve a healthy BMI. This will assist vegetarians to keep healthy bones and muscles.”
Professor Janet Cade, who leads the Nutritional Epidemiology Group at the University of Leeds and monitored the research, stated: “Hip fracture is a significant health issue and diet plan might have a part to play in impacting threat.
” This research, using the big UK Biobank, verifies our previous work, revealing that a vegetarian diet plan increases risk of hip fracture compared to routine meat eaters, in both males and females. Whilst vegetarian diet plans have health benefits, understanding diet plan quality and the balance of essential nutrients may assist to decrease risk and enhance future bone health.”
Hip fractures cost the NHS between ₤ 2– 3 billion each year.
Referral: “Risk of hip fracture in vegetarians, pescatarians, and meat-eaters: a potential associate study of 413,914 UK Biobank individuals” by James Webster, Darren C. Greenwood and Janet E. Cade, 27 July 2023, BMC Medicine.DOI: 10.1186/ s12916-023-02993-6.
Vegetarians had a 50% greater threat than routine meat-eaters, regardless of sex.
There was no distinction in threat in between routine and occasional meat-eaters.
Pescatarians had a slightly greater threat (8%) than routine meat-eaters, but this was a non-significant distinction.