Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Lower Bone Density and Higher Hip Fracture Risk

A new study published in The British Journal of Nutrition has found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is associated with poorer bone health, including lower bone mineral density and an increased risk of hip fractures. The findings were particularly notable among younger adults under 65 and those who were underweight.

“Our study cohort was followed for over 12 years, and we found that high intakes of ultra-processed foods were linked to a reduction in bone mineral density at several sites, including key areas of the upper femur and the lumbar spine region,” said Lu Qi, MD, PhD, co-author of the study and HCA Regents Distinguished Chair and professor at the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at Tulane University, in a press statement.

“While recent studies have shown that ultra-processed food consumption can affect bone health, this is the first time this relationship has been examined directly in humans,” Qi added.

Ultra-Processed Foods and Bone Health: Key Findings

Data from the CDC indicates that ultra-processed foods account for roughly 55% of total calories consumed by both children and adults in the U.S. To investigate the impact of these foods on bone health, researchers analyzed data from more than 160,000 participants in the UK Biobank database. On average, participants consumed about 8 servings of ultra-processed foods per day.

The study found that for every 3.7 additional servings of ultra-processed foods consumed daily, the risk of hip fracture increased by 10.5%. The authors note that 3.7 additional servings could equate to a frozen dinner entrée, a soda, and a cookie, though serving sizes vary by food type.

Expert Reactions to the Study

Grace Derocha, a registered dietitian nutritionist and national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, emphasized the significance of the findings, though she was not involved in the study.

“A 10.5% increase in hip fracture risk is meaningful, especially given how serious hip fractures can be for long-term mobility and independence, particularly in older adults. That said, it is important to interpret this in context. This is an observational finding, meaning it shows an association rather than direct causation.”

“Still, it reinforces a pattern we see across nutrition science: diets higher in ultra-processed foods tend to be linked with poorer health outcomes overall. From a public health standpoint, it’s a signal worth paying attention to — not necessarily a reason for alarm, but certainly a reason to emphasize improving overall diet quality.”

Dana Hunnes, a senior clinical dietitian at UCLA Health, also weighed in on the study’s implications, though her comments were not included in the original article.