Lack Of B Means More Broken Bones

A study was just published in the December 2007 issue of the journal Bone (Effect of dietary B vitamins on BMD and risk of fracture in elderly men and women: The Rotterdam Study, Bone, Volume 41, Issue 6, December 2007, Pages 987-994) that also looks at B vitamins and their affect on age-related osteoporotic fractures. A total of 5,300 individuals, ages 55 years and greater, participated in this study performed in the Netherlands. Dietary intake of nutrients was obtained from food questionnaires. Patients were then followed for approximately 6 to 7 ½ years. It was noted that there was a small but significant effect between dietary intake of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) as well as riboflavin (vitamin B2) and bone density. After eliminating other factors, it was then found that those individuals with the highest dietary intake of vitamin B6 had a significant decrease in non-vertebral fractures. The researchers concluded that increased dietary intake of riboflavin and pyridoxine (vitamins B2 and B6) was associated with higher bone density measurements. They concluded that these findings highlight the importance of considering nutritional factors in epidemiologic studies of osteoporosis and fractures.

Did you know that there are actually eight different B vitamins and are collectively known as vitamin B complex? The B vitamins are water soluble and are not stored in tissues to the same extent that the fat soluble vitamins are. Deficiency illnesses of B vitamins, such as pellagra (from lack of vitamin B3) or beriberi (from lack of vitamin B1), are not common, however, we typically do not get optimal levels of these important nutrients. Aside from proper cell metabolism, the B vitamins enhance immune function and function within the nervous system. They are also extremely important for healthy cardiovascular function. It has also been documented that adequate intake of these B vitamins can help with stress and altered mood.