Case-control study investigates micronutrient and bone turnover marker associations with hip fracture risk

Hip fracture is a debilitating condition, with low Body Mass Index (BMI) recognized as a significant risk factor. However, the precise mechanisms linking low BMI to increased fracture susceptibility remain poorly understood. It is unclear whether low BMI itself is the primary driver, or if specific micronutrient deficiencies play a crucial, independent, or synergistic role. Identifying these specific nutritional contributors is vital for developing targeted preventative strategies beyond general weight management. This study aims to elucidate the association of specific micronutrients and bone turnover markers with hip fracture risk.

This case-control study (NCT01738776) enrolled 184 participants to investigate nutritional risk factors for hip fracture. The study included two arms: 'Cases' comprised patients acutely admitted for femoral neck, trochanteric, or subtrochanteric femoral fractures, who were also part of an orthogeriatric care RCT. 'Controls' consisted of voluntary elderly individuals with no history of hip fracture. Blood samples were collected at admission from both groups for micronutrient analysis to determine their association with hip fracture risk, as the primary endpoint. Secondary analysis explored the relationship between micronutrients and bone turnover markers.