Since the recent post have been about calcium and vitamin D as it relates to bone health, I thought one more related article could not hurt.
A nutrient-dense diet high in vegetables, fruit, and whole grains may reduce the risk for low-trauma fracture, particularly in older women, according to the results of a retrospective cohort study reported online November 10 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
In 2005, 2 million fractures occurred in the United States, which were associated with 17 billion in direct costs, and these figures are expected to increase by ≥50% over 20 years. Fractures also led to long-term disability, decreased health-related quality of life, and increased mortality. Identification and treatment of individuals with low bone mineral density (BMD) can reduce the burden of fracture, [but] alternative strategies for population health are necessary because many individuals who fracture do not have a low BMD.
Using a randomly selected, population-based cohort enrolled in the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study, the investigators aimed to determine the association between dietary patterns and incident fracture and to evaluate whether body mass index (BMI), BMD, or falls affected this relationship. In year 2 of the study (1997-1999), they used self-administered food frequency questionnaires to evaluate dietary patterns. The main study endpoint was low-trauma fracture occurring before the 10th annual follow-up in 2005 to 2007.
Factor analysis revealed 2 dietary patterns: nutrient dense, which emphasized intake of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains; and energy dense, which had higher intake of soft drinks, potato chips, French fries, meats, and desserts.
In association with the nutrient-dense factor, the risk for fracture was reduced in both men overall women overall. No associations with fracture were identified for the energy-dense pattern.
Conclusion
A diet high in nutrient-dense foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains) may reduce the risk of low-trauma fracture, especially among older women, the study authors conclude. Because older women are also at the highest risk of fracture, population measures to encourage increased intake of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains have the potential to lower the population burden of fracture, including hip fracture. Few recent studies have assessed dietary patterns related to fracture outcomes. The results here are complementary to those of studies that assessed the relation of specific foods and nutrients, because synergistic effects of food combinations might exist.
Am J Clin Nutr. Published online November 10, 2010. Abstract
So, I guess the message here is to eat your fruits and vegetables. I am off to search for more earth shattering information for the newsletter.
Thanks,
JTM, MD