Are Dietary Patterns Relevant for Reducing the Risk of Fractures and Sarcopenia?

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Gerontology
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Musculoskeletal health, encompassing bone fractures and sarcopenia, is a significant concern, particularly in aging populations.
• Dietary patterns are increasingly recognized as modifiable factors influencing musculoskeletal health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current scientific evidence on the impact of various dietary patterns on the risk of bone fractures and sarcopenia.
• To identify specific dietary patterns associated with protective effects against musculoskeletal decline.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of recent scientific literature.
• Analysis of studies investigating dietary patterns such as Mediterranean Dietary Patterns (MDP), Dietary Inflammatory Indices, and vegetarian/vegan diets.
• Evaluation of reported associations between dietary patterns and the incidence of bone fractures and sarcopenia.

Main Results:

• Adherence to healthier dietary patterns, notably the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern (MDP), shows a protective association against fractures and sarcopenia.
• Plant-based diets (vegetarian and vegan) require attention to calcium and vitamin D intake to support musculoskeletal health.
• Evidence is limited by heterogeneity in dietary scoring methods and outcome measures across studies.

Conclusions:

• Healthier dietary patterns, especially the MDP, show promise in mitigating risks of bone fractures and sarcopenia.
• Future research needs standardized methodologies for dietary pattern assessment and outcome measurement for robust comparisons.
• Nutrient adequacy, particularly for calcium and vitamin D, is crucial for individuals on vegetarian and vegan diets to maintain bone and muscle health.