Mediterranean diet linked to lower hip fracture risk, stronger bones

A study published in the journal Food & Function has found that following a Mediterranean diet helps strengthen bones and lowers the risk of hip fractures.

Researchers reviewed data on the effects of Western, Mediterranean, and vegetarian diets on bone health, focusing on nutritional composition, food processing, structure, and their impact on nutrient absorption.

The results indicated that the Mediterranean diet is more often associated with a reduced risk of hip fractures than with increased bone mineral density.

By contrast, the Western diet showed less positive outcomes in most studies, with results varying depending on participants and nutritional makeup. Findings for vegetarian diets were inconclusive; some studies suggested a higher risk of hip fractures only among vegetarians, but the reliability of these results was very low.

Scientists emphasized that bone health depends not only on the amount of nutrients consumed, but also on the body's ability to absorb them, which is influenced by factors such as age, digestive health, kidney function, and others.

The Mediterranean diet is based on a variety of protein, vitamin, and mineral sources, including fish, poultry, vegetables, and fruits.

In related research, a study published in the journal Nutrients found that following the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, or a high-quality plant-based diet can reduce the risk of certain cancers in women.

Another study showed that adhering to a modified Mediterranean diet, known as the MIND diet, may help slow brain aging and support cognitive health as people grow older.