The risk of hip fractures is reduced by light to moderate drinking. The alcohol can be beer, wine, or spirits. Spirits are whiskey, gin, rum, rye, vodka, etc. Reducing risk is important. Hip fractures, especially among the elderly, are a common cause of disability and increase the risk of death.

The major risk of hip fractures comes from osteoporosis and unstable gait. For several decades, moderate drinking has been found linked with increased bone mineral density. Much research has also found that light and moderate drinking are associated with lower risk of hip fractures. But the risk is increased among heavy drinkers, especially alcoholics.

Major Study on Risk of Hip Fractures

This study analyzed data from 18 studies. Included were 3,730,424 participants. The studies included subjects from the USA, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Australia, and Japan.

During the time they were followed, 26,168 hip fractures occurred. The researchers found a J-shaped association between drinking level and the risk of hip fractures. Lower risk occurred among those who had about one drink per day. There was no effect from drinking between one and four to five drinks daily. Consuming over four to five drinks daily was associated with increased risk of hip fractures.