A higher risk of fracture for vegetarians and vegans

Increasingly popular meatless diets are likely to lead to fractures, especially of the hip, according to a recent British study.

Pesco-vegetarians, vegetarians and vegans are said to have a higher risk of fractures, especially of the hip. As a reminder, a pesco-vegetarian (or pescetarian) has chosen not to eat meat but keeps fish in his diet, unlike the vegetarian who has ruled out any animal flesh in his diet. The vegan, for his part, has excluded all products from animals, in particular milk, eggs or even honey. Finally, the vegan has chosen a lifestyle that excludes any product from animal exploitation (fashion, cosmetics, etc.).

According to a British study published in the specialist journal BMC Medicine, people who do not eat meat have a higher risk of suffering a bone fracture. Researchers at the University of Oxford, England, analyzed medical data (from a former study called EPIC-Oxford) of more than 65,000 people, some of whom have been followed since 1993. Initially, this assessment was used to analyze the link between diet and the risk of developing cancer. In total, there were 3,941 fractures (566 in the arm, 889 in the wrist, 945 in the hip, 366 in the leg, 520 in the ankle and 467 fractures in other major areas such as the collarbone, ribs. and vertebrae).

The results indicate that the risk of a total fracture is significant for vegans. The risk of breaking bones, especially those in the hip, would be twice as high as for omnivores, ” resulting in almost 20 more cases per 1,000 people over a 10-year period compared to people who ate meat Says researcher Tammy Tong of the University of Oxford, the study’s first author. Vegans ” also have an increased risk of breaking other bones, but not vegetarians or pescetarians BMC Medicine informs. The researcher also notes that “ the fracture rate is likely to be higher in older people, who break their hips more often, but the average age of participants at onset [de l’étude] was 45 years old “.

The New Scientist journal explained that “ previous work had shown that vegetarians had more fragile bones than meat eaters, but whether this had an effect on the risk of fractures was not clear “. According to the researchers, it is a deficiency in calcium (and in proteins) which would increase the risk of fracture because ” calcium is an important component of bones, and protein can help absorb calcium from food “.

BMI would also be an important factor: “ Previous studies have shown that a low BMI is associated with a higher risk of hip fractures, and low calcium and protein intakes have both been linked to poor bone health. This study showed that vegans, who had a lower BMI as well as lower calcium and protein intakes than meat eaters, had a higher risk of fractures at several sites. “Adds Tammy Tong, who encourages plant enthusiasts to check their calcium and protein intake in order to maintain body mass” neither underweight nor overweight “.

Heather Russell, dietician at the Vegan Society: “ It is entirely possible to take care of your bones by following a well-constructed vegan diet, but being informed is essential in order to make good health choices. “. Calcium, this mineral salt known to strengthen bones, is found in dairy products but also in dried figs, almonds, spinach, watercress, thyme, powdered meloukhia or even Parmesan.