A recent review of literature published in the British Journal of Nutrition highlights that although intermittent fasting (IF) has been found to improve metabolic health and promote weight loss, its impact on bone health remains unclear. Researchers reviewed varied forms of IF, such as the 5:2 diet, alternate day fasting (ADF), and time-restricted eating/feeding (TRE/TRF), and found that animal studies indicate that IF, in addition to a high-fat or ketogenic diet, can negatively affect bone health.
Furthermore, the researchers note that there is limited observational data in relation to the impact of IF on bone health in humans, which means that more research with longer trial durations is required. Moreover, these studies should investigate the effect of IF on bone microstructure or fracture risks, as the studies to date have analyzed only regional bone mineral density or bone mineral content.
