Excess Vitamin B6 And B12 Intake Increases The Risk Of Hip Fracture

Excess vitamin B6 and B12 intake increases the risk of hip fracture

Older women who take dietary supplements with high doses of vitamins B6 and B12 have a higher risk of hip fracture, according to a new US study.

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Older women who take dietary supplements with high doses of vitamins B6 and B12 have a higher risk of hip fracture, according to a new US study.

While some previous research has linked both of these vitamins to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, the results have been mixed, and some work has also linked B6 and B12 to fractures in the elderly, the authors note in the JAMA Network Open.

According to current US dietary guidelines, women over 50 should get 1.5 milligrams of B6 per day, and girls and women ages 14 and older should get 2.4 micrograms (one thousandth of a milligram) of vitamin B12.

In the new study, researchers followed 76,000 American nurses for an average of 21 years, conducting dietary surveys every four years. Nearly all women consumed more vitamins B6 and B12 from foods and supplements than recommended. About 2,300 of them suffered hip fractures during the study, with half under the age of 76.

Compared to the women who had the lowest intake of both vitamins, the women who consumed the most (at least 35 mg B6 and 20 mcg B12) had a 47% higher risk of hip fracture. Half of the women in the study took at least 3.6 mg of B6 and 12.1 mcg of B12 daily.

“Many people take vitamin supplements without clear directions, and high-dose supplements of these vitamins are readily available in pharmacies and on the Internet,” says study lead author Dr. Haakon Meyer of the University of Oslo, Norway, stressing that high doses of vitamins can have unexpected side effects.

Vitamin B6 helps the body maintain a healthy metabolism and immune system. It is found in a variety of foods, including meat, fish, peas, potatoes, and other vegetables. B12 helps the body produce red blood cells and is found in shellfish, fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products.

However, it is possible that the study group of women (mostly white middle-class women) does not reflect the overall picture. Experts advise, therefore, to consult a doctor before taking vitamin supplements and only take them if there is a deficiency of these vitamins.