According to a new study from China, consumption of food rich in carotenoids, especially beta-carotene, may decrease the risk of hip fractures for lean men.
In the observational study, dietary intakes of carotenoids and cases of hip fracture were documented in 63,257 elderly men and women across a range of BMIs (body mass index) during 17 years (1). The study results showed that hip fracture risk decreased with increasing intakes of total vegetables and total carote-noids, particularly beta-carotene, among men. The protective effect was higher in lean men than in men with high BMI, while no prevention was detected in women. Having low BMI was a stronger risk factor for hip frac-ture among elderly men compared to women.
The researchers concluded that consuming more carotenoids may be a preventive measure for lean men as they age to reduce the risk of bone fractures. Clinical trials would be needed to demonstrate preventive effects of carotenoid supplementation on reduction of hip fracture risk. The findings may have important public health implications on hip fracture prevention, particularly among Asians, the scientists commented.