Nutrition researchers from University of Leeds in England identified a clear link between higher protein intake and bone health in women. Specifically, increasing daily protein by 25 grams was associated with a meaningful reduction in the risk of hip fractures. In the same study, consuming an extra cup of tea or coffee each day correlated with about a 4% lower fracture risk. These findings were reported in a peer‑reviewed article in Clinical Nutrition, illustrating how dietary choices can influence skeletal resilience over time.
The study tracked a large group of 26,000 women who began participation between the mid to late 1990s, with ages spanning from early adulthood into the near-retirement window. This broad age spread allowed researchers to observe how protein and beverage patterns might impact hip fracture risk across a wide spectrum of life stages in which bone health is a concern for many people.
Participants completed comprehensive questionnaires detailing their usual diet and lifestyle habits. Researchers then linked this information with hospital and health records over the following two decades to identify fracture events and other health outcomes. Across the cohort, just over 3% experienced a hip fracture during the follow-up period, providing a substantial data set to explore potential protective factors linked to protein and beverage intake.
When protein intake rose by 25 grams per day, the overall reduction in hip fracture risk averaged 14%. The protective effect proved even stronger among women who were underweight. For these individuals, increasing daily protein by 25 grams led to a striking 45% decrease in fracture risk, suggesting that lean body composition may interact with dietary protein to influence bone stability. The researchers noted that lean women often have lower bone density and reduced muscle mass, both of which can elevate fracture risk, thereby amplifying the benefit of higher protein intake in this subgroup.
The study also proposed that the protective association with tea and coffee might be linked to certain bioactive compounds found in these beverages. Polyphenols and phytoestrogens, present in tea and coffee, may play a role in supporting bone health by helping to preserve bone density and muscle quality over time. While the exact mechanisms require further exploration, these findings contribute to a broader understanding of how common daily beverages can interact with nutrition to influence skeletal outcomes.
For practical context, foods that contribute roughly 25 grams of protein include three to four eggs, a serving of steak, a portion of nuts, or a serving of tofu. Protein serves as the fundamental building block for cellular structure, tissue repair, and muscle maintenance, all of which are essential for healthy bones and overall physical function. Balancing protein intake with other dietary factors helps support long-term skeletal integrity.
Current dietary guidelines in the United Kingdom recommend about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Some nutrition scientists argue that this target may be insufficient for certain populations, particularly when considering bone and muscle health with aging. Protein sources span meat, dairy products, eggs, legumes, and nuts. However, there is some debate about the potential risks of very high daily protein consumption, typically in the range of 2 to 3 grams per kilogram of body weight, with possible adverse health effects that warrant careful consideration and individualized guidance. The Leeds study contributes to an ongoing conversation about optimal protein levels for bone health and fracture prevention across diverse adult populations.