Greater Intake of Fruit and Vegetables Is Associated with Greater Bone Mineral Density and Lower Osteoporosis Risk in Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults

This study evaluated the effect of high dietary ingestion of fruits and vegetables on bone mineral density and osteoporosis risk. Using validated food frequency questionnaires, researchers collected and analyzed data on the fruit and vegetable intake of 3,089 men and women between the ages of 40 – 75 years recruited from Guangzhou area of China. The bone mineral density and osteoporosis odds ratios of the subjects were also measured.

Researchers observed that subjects with high intake of fruits and vegetables had higher bone mineral density and lower risk of osteoporosis than individuals who rarely ate or did not consume these types of foods. Data from this study indicate that increased intake of diets high in fruits and vegetables may help improve bone mineral density and protect individuals from osteoporosis.