According to a study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, women can lower their chance of developing a hip fracture by consuming more protein and regularly drinking tea or coffee. In the study, the food scientists from the University of Leeds, UK, revealed that an increase of 25 grams of protein a day was associated with a 14% reduction in the risk of hip fracture.

They also observed that every additional cup of tea or coffee they drank was linked with a 4% reduction in risk. The researchers also noted that the protective benefits were greater for underweight women, where a 25 g/day increase in protein consumption reduced the risk of hip fracture by 45%.

The study was the first of its kind to investigate relationships between food and nutrient intakes and the risk of hip fracture, with hip fractures accurately identified through hospital records. The observational study highlighted the essential aspects of diet that can be useful tools in reducing hip fracture risk in women. Proteins are the fundamental building blocks of life and are essential for maintaining healthy cells, tissues, and muscles, as well as strong bones.

Several nutritional experts believe that the UKs daily protein recommendation of 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight is too low. According to the study, people with increased protein consumption had a lower incidence of hip fractures. Very high protein consumption, defined as more than 2 to 3 grams of protein per kg of body weight per day, can, however, have adverse health effects.

The findings of the study showed that out of 26,318 women enrolled in the study, 822 middle-aged women, or 3.1% of the participants, developed hip fractures. Additionally, underweight women were at an increased risk of developing hip fractures.

However, Dr. Professor Janet Cade, who leads the Nutritional Epidemiology Group at Leeds, stated that reduced muscle mass and low bone mineral density were the main causes of increased risk. Hence, increased consumption of a variety of foods and minerals, particularly protein, may help lower the risk of hip fracture more in underweight women than in healthy or overweight women by establishing or restoring bone and muscle health.

(Source: https://theprint.in/health/research-claims-women-can-reduce-risk-of-suffering-hip-fractures-by-increasing-intake-of-protein/1389267/ )