Higher adherence to Mediterranean Diet related to lower risk of bone fracture in women

The current study findings support the idea that a healthy lifestyle, i.e. following a Mediterranean Diet (MD), which includes moderate wine consumption, should be the first option to avoid bone fractures.

The prevention of bone mass loss and related complications associated with osteoporosis is a significant public health issue. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is favourably associated with bone health, a potentially modifiable risk factor.

The objective of the study was to determine the adherence to the MD in a sample of 139 Spanish women with and without osteoporosis (64 women with and 75 without osteoporosis). MD adherence, lifestyle, physical exercise and consumption of alcoholic beverages, pathological antecedents and FRAX (a tool to evaluate fracture risk and bone mineral density) were analysed.

The results indicated that women with a better adherence to the MD had a lower risk of bone fracture. Most women were low to moderate drinkers and their preferred beverage was wine. The researchers conclude that following a MD, which includes regular physical activity, especially outdoors and eliminating or reducing toxic habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol and caffeine intake would be a good non-pharmacological preventive strategy against osteoporosis. Further studies with more participants and follow-up are needed to investigate the factors that influence diet in maintaining bone mass and bone health.

Definition:

High risk consumption of alcoholic beverages: 17 or more units/week (168g/week)

Palmera-Vilches A. et al, Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and bone fracture risk in middle-aged women: a case-control study, Nutrients 2019, 11, 2508, https://doi:10.3390/nu11102508