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A 2022 study by the University of Leeds revealed that vegetarian women have a higher risk of hip fractures than those who consume meat.
The study analyzed over 26,000 female participants from different dietary groups, including vegetarians (those who only eat vegetables), pescatarians (those who consume fish), and occasional meat-eaters. The analysis found that over 800 women had hip fractures. The researchers determined that vegetarian females had a whopping 33% higher risk than all dietary groups.
While a vegetarian diet does wonders for weight loss, animal protection, and long-term environmental impacts, this dietary lifestyle also has a downside.
Experts confirm that being a strict vegetarian can be heavy on your pocket and limit your options. Since you skip the important nutrients found in meat, you may also be prone to nutritional deficiencies.
Per Frontiers in Endocrinology, meat is an excellent source of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium, among other critical nutrients. Many women experience symptoms of low vitamin B12, such as fatigue, infertility, and gut health problems. Moreover, vitamin D and calcium strengthen the bones and reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures.
You may want additional supplementation to meet your body’s nutritional requirements if you’re a vegetarian. Experts also advise eating foods with high vitamin b12, such as fortified cereals, to get the right nutrients for your bones.
Read More: 5 Best Vitamin B12 Supplements for Women