Fruit and vegetable intake and bones: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nutrition Science
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Fruit and vegetable consumption is thought to benefit bone metabolism.
• However, conclusive evidence regarding their impact on fracture risk is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies on the association between combined fruit and vegetable intake and fracture risk in individuals over 50 years of age.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs and cohort studies were conducted.
• Studies were identified through searches of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library.
• Fracture risk and bone resorption markers (CTx) were primary and secondary outcomes, respectively.

Main Results:

• Meta-analysis of six cohort studies (n=225,062) showed a reduced risk of hip fractures (HR 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87-0.98) and any fracture (HR 0.90; 95% CI: 0.86-0.96).
• Four RCTs found no association between three months of fruit and vegetable intake and the bone resorption marker CTx.
• The evidence for fracture risk reduction was assessed as moderate.

Conclusions:

• Increased daily intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with a decreased risk of fractures in older adults.
• Dietary interventions focusing on fruit and vegetable consumption may be beneficial for bone health and fracture prevention.