Diet and Hip Fracture Risk in the United Kingdom Women's Cohort

Hip fracture is a common serious injury in older women that reduces quality of life and can lead to premature death. In the United Kingdom, hip fractures are estimated to account for 1.5 million hospital bed days used per year due to long hospitalisation and rehabilitation periods post-surgery, costing the National Health Service over £1 billion per year. Diet can affect bone health and risk of hip fracture, with varying risks in women on specific diets, and specific foods and nutrients playing more important roles than others. Vegetarians may be at a greater risk of hip fracture than meat-eaters, and those who don't consume enough protein could be at a greater risk than those with adequate intakes. This research aims to investigate which dietary factors (and in what quantities) might predispose United Kingdom women to a greater risk of hip fracture, and which factors may be protective. The purpose of this study is to better understand the role of diet in reducing hip fracture risk in United Kingdom women. The research will use existing dietary and lifestyle data from the United Kingdom Women's Cohort Study and hospital records of hip fractures.