Vitamins B-6 and B-12 linked with increased risk of hip fracture
15 October, 2019
Vitamins are essential for good health, but consuming too much of certain vitamins can be damaging. A recent study explored B vitamin intake and the risk of hip fracture.
Vitamin and mineral supplements are becoming increasingly popular in the United States.
According to one study, 52% of U.S. adults used supplements of some kind in 2011–2012.
Although there is no doubt that some people need to take supplements, there is a growing concern that many people are taking more than they should.
As the authors of the new study explain, "Both insufficient and excess intakes of a nutrient may be harmful."
In this study, the researchers were particularly interested in vitamins B-6 and B-12. Both carry out a wide array of roles in the body and occur in a range of foods.
For many healthy people, it is fairly easy to consume adequate amounts of vitamins B-6 and B-12 from a balanced, varied diet.
B vitamins and fracture risk
Previously, the authors of the recent study published a secondary analysis using data from 6,837 people. In it, they found "an unexpected increased risk of hip fracture."
In particular, the fracture risk was highest in individuals taking both vitamins B-6 and B-12.
To investigate the relationship further, the scientists delved into another, larger batch of data. They have now published their findings in the journal JAMA Network Open.
The scientists had access to data from 75,864 postmenopausal women involved in the Nurses' Health Study.
Alongside information regarding health, diet, and supplements, the researchers also had access to a wide range of other details, including the participants' recreational activities, medications, smoking status, and body mass index (BMI).
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