Nutrition scientists at the University of Leeds in England found that for women, an increase in protein intake of 25 grams per day was associated with a 14% lower risk of hip fracture. Additionally, each extra cup of tea or coffee was associated with a 4% reduction in risk. Research published in the journal Clinical Nutrition.
Researchers followed 26,000 women. At the time of inclusion in the study (1995-1998), the women were between 35 and 69 years old.
Participants were asked to fill out questionnaires about their diet and lifestyle. Survey data, along with hospital records from the next two decades, were then used to analyze risk factors. Just over 3% of women suffered hip fractures during follow-up.
On average, an additional 25 grams of protein reduced the risk of hip fractures by 14%, but the protective effect was even greater for underweight women: For them, increased protein intake of 25 grams per day reduced the risk by 45%. Scientists suggest that lean women may have lower bone density and muscle mass, which are risk factors for hip fracture.
The protective effect of tea and coffee may be related to their content of biologically active compounds – polyphenols and phytoestrogens – that may help maintain bone health.
Three to four eggs, a steak, a serving of nuts or tofu contain about 25 grams of protein. Proteins are the basic building blocks of life and are necessary for the proper functioning of cells, tissues and muscles, as well as bone health.
The recommended protein intake in the UK is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, which some nutritionists say is too low. Protein is found in meat, dairy products, eggs, legumes and nuts. However, very high protein intake (2-3 g per kilogram of body weight) may have adverse health effects that were not considered in this study.
Source: Gazeta
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