Low fruit and vegetable intake raises fall risk in women

New research shows that eating more fruits and vegetables may help prevent falls in older adults, particularly in women. The study highlights that those with a low intake of these foods face a higher risk of having injurious falls. Researchers analyzed data from over 34,000 adults aged 50 and above across six low- and middle-income countries. They found that older women who did not meet recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables were nearly twice as likely to suffer serious falls compared to those who did. Inadequate intake was also linked to lower education and income levels. Falls are a major health concern for older adults, often leading to severe injuries. One-third of seniors living in communities experience falls each year, making it crucial to identify risk factors. While physical health aspects like balance and vision are often discussed, this study brings attention to the role of poor nutrition. The findings suggest that enhancing fruit and vegetable intake could be an effective way to reduce fall risks. However, more research is needed to fully understand how dietary habits connect to fall incidents and to explore possible reasons behind these relationships. Economically, access to healthy foods like fruits and vegetables can be challenging in low- and middle-income countries. This underlines the need for policies that improve nutrition access for older adults. Overall, the study supports initiatives aimed at increasing fruit and vegetable consumption as a potential strategy to enhance elder safety and health.