Hip Fracture Surgery Recovery Nutrition

Recovery Guide · Hip Fracture

A broken hip is one of the most serious injuries an older adult can have, and nutrition plays a bigger role in recovery than most families realize. Many hip fracture patients are already undernourished when they arrive at the hospital, and the weeks after surgery make it worse.

This guide explains what the research and clinical guidelines say, and how to support recovery for yourself or a parent.

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Hip fracture surgery usually happens within a day or two of the injury, so there's no time for pre-op nutrition. Start as soon as your surgical team approves, ideally in the first days after surgery.

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OVIAL Surgical Nutrition Kit for hip fracture surgery recovery

Why nutrition matters so much after a hip fracture

Malnutrition is common in this group. A 2025 review of older hip fracture patients found that studies assessing nutrition at hospital admission report malnutrition rates mostly between 15% and 40%.

After surgery, pain, confusion, low appetite and time in bed all reduce how much people eat, while the body needs more protein and energy to heal the fracture and rebuild muscle. Lost muscle strength is a major reason older adults don't regain the independence they had before the fall.

That's why the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) geriatric guideline recommends offering oral nutritional supplements to older patients after hip fracture surgery, to improve dietary intake and reduce the risk of complications.

What the research shows

Protein supplementationIn a randomized trial summarized by OrthoEvidence, protein supplementation after hip fracture improved early mobility recovery and was associated with lower 6-month mortality, although long-term mobility and complication rates were similar between groups.
HMB, vitamin D and proteinIn a randomized trial of 75 older women with hip fractures (Ekinci 2016), a daily supplement with 3 g of calcium HMB, 1,000 IU of vitamin D and protein for 30 days after surgery shortened wound healing time and helped more patients become mobile by day 30, compared with standard care.
Vitamin D and boneIn a trial of patients with a recent hip fracture who already had enough vitamin D and calcium, 20 g of protein a day for 6 months halved bone density loss in the hip at one year and shortened the stay in rehabilitation.

Practical nutrition tips for the first weeks

Protein at every meal and snackEggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, milk, fish, chicken and soft lentil dishes. Older adults recovering from injury need roughly 1.2 to 1.5 g of protein per kg of body weight per day, unless their doctor sets a different target.
Small, frequent mealsAppetite is often very poor. Five or six small meals or nourishing drinks are easier than three full plates.
Fluids and fiberDehydration and constipation are common after surgery and with pain medication. Offer drinks regularly and include fruit, vegetables and whole grains.
Ask about vitamin D and bone healthMost hip fractures are fragility fractures. Ask the care team about vitamin D levels, calcium and an osteoporosis assessment to lower the risk of another fracture.

How the OVIAL system fits

Because hip fracture surgery is usually urgent, most patients start directly with OVIAL POST. It provides essential amino acids, whey protein isolate, collagen peptides and 1.5 g of HMB per serving, with vitamin D3 in the POST capsules, in a drink that's easier to finish than a large meal.

Always check with the care team first, especially for patients with kidney disease, diabetes or swallowing difficulties, or who are on blood thinners. Read the studies behind each ingredient in our Research Library.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best thing to eat after hip fracture surgery?
Protein-rich foods at every meal, enough calories overall, fluids, and fiber. Oral nutritional supplements are recommended by ESPEN for older adults after hip fracture to improve intake.
Does HMB help after a hip fracture?
One randomized trial in older women found a supplement with HMB, vitamin D and protein shortened wound healing and improved mobility at 30 days. The evidence is promising but limited to a small number of studies.
How can I help an elderly parent eat more after hip surgery?
Offer small, frequent meals and nourishing drinks, favor soft protein-rich foods, keep favorite snacks nearby, and ask the hospital about a dietitian referral.
How long does recovery from hip fracture surgery take?
Most patients start walking with help within a day or two of surgery, but regaining strength and independence often takes several months. Good nutrition supports that process throughout.

References

  1. ESPEN guideline on clinical nutrition and hydration in geriatrics
  2. Malnutrition in older hip fracture patients (2025 review)
  3. Is HMB an effective anabolic agent to improve outcome in older diseased populations? (includes Ekinci 2016 trial)
  4. OrthoEvidence: Protein supplementation for hip fracture recovery in elderly patients
  5. Nutrition and osteoporosis prevention (review)

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This page is general education and does not replace advice from your surgeon. Always consult your surgeon or healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially before or after surgery.