Fan Y, Ni S, Zhang H, et al. - Using NHANES data, researchers examined if and how the dietary quality estimated by the HEI-2015 is associated with the risk of osteoporosis in middle-aged and elderly US adults.

• Four NHANES 2-year cycles (2007–2008, 2009–2010, 2013–2014, and 2017–2018), including 10,033 participants, were used for retrieval of data.

• Reduced odds of osteoporosis were recorded for middle-aged and elderly populations with quintile 4 and quintile 5 HEI-2015 total scores when compared with those with quintile 1 HEI-2015 total scores.

• Elderly adults with higher intake of total vegetables, greens and beans, total fruits, whole fruits, and whole grains were noted to be at decreased risk of osteoporosis.

• In addition, there appeared protective effects of saturated fat intake against osteoporosis.

• Overall, a significant correlation of higher dietary quality is observed with a decreased risk of osteoporosis among middle-aged and elderly Americans.