Eating generous portions of protein as you get older equates to a reduced risk of hip fracture, researchers from the Harvard University said in a study published in Osteoporosis International.
They looked at the eating habits and risk of hip fractures in 946 older men and women and found those who ate less protein had around 50 percent more hip fractures than those who consumed greater amounts.
There may be two reasons to explain this finding. One, protein is necessary for strengthening the bone matrix and two, that protein helps to build stronger leg muscles and improves balance, thus possibly preventing falls. Optimal protein intake is regarded as being a minimum of 46g daily for older women and at least 56g for older men.
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