Vitamin B Is for Bones
New research shows B vitamins may help build strong bones. A University of California study shows that low B-12 predicts rapid hip-bone loss in elderly women. And in an Italian study of older women, the higher the folic acid, the greater the mineral density of the lumbar spine.
Another important clue: Men with the highest homocysteine (a blood factor that boosts heart disease risk but is reduced by high doses of B vitamins) are four times likelier to break a hip than men with the lowest homocysteine, according to a new Harvard-Tufts study. High homocysteine doubled women’s hip fractures.
Researchers speculate that the B vitamins also may cut the risk of fractures due to osteoporosis.
This EatSmart column is reprinted from USAWEEKEND Magazine and is copyrighted by Jean Carper. It cannot be reprinted without permission from Jean Carper.
