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The B for Your Bones: Low vitamin B-12 levels linked to osteoporosis

New research conducted by Katherine Tucker, PhD, of Tufts University, examined dietary factors in relation to osteoporosis and uncovered a positive association between vitamin B-12 and bone health. In other words, the authors conclude that vitamin B-12 deficiency may be an important modifiable risk factor for osteoporosis.

β€œOsteoporosis is becoming a much greater issue now that people are living so much longer,” said lead author Tucker. β€œOur study provides support for a way in which people can actively lower their risk of osteoporosis and help to preserve quality of life.”

Tucker and her colleagues measured bone mineral density β€” a measure of bone quality β€” and vitamin B-12 level in more than 2,500 men and women participating in the Framingham Osteoporosis Study. They found that both men and women with low vitamin B-12 levels had on average lower bone mineral densities β€” putting them at greater risk of osteoporosis β€” than men and women with higher levels.

β€œThis is the first large scale study of its kind to show an association between low vitamin B-12 and low bone mineral density in men and it confirms other reports of this association in women,” said Tucker, β€œIt shows that getting enough vitamin B-12 from meats, poultry, fish and dairy products may be important for both men and women in maintaining strong bones. Some individuals, particularly older people, have difficulty absorbing vitamin B-12 from foods, however, and inclusion of breakfast cereals fortified with vitamin B-12 or use of vitamin B-12 supplements offers additional protection.”

Friedman Nutrition Notes, Jan/Feb 2005