Older women who consume too much vitamin-A could be unwittingly putting themselves at increased risk of hip fractures, according to researchers. The nationwide study of more than 72,000 women revealed that high levels of retinol, a vitamin-A compound, was associated with an increased risk of hip fractures in postmenopausal women. Researchers found that women who consumed 3,000 mcg (micrograms) or more per day were 48% more likely to fracture their hip in the next 18-years, compared with women who consumed less than 1,250 mcg. Furthermore, women who took a daily vitamin-A supplement were 40% more likely to sustain a hip fracture, and those who took multivitamins were 32% more likely to fracture their hip. While vitamin-A is an essential nutrient, previous research has revealed that consuming too much of the vitamin can inhibit the formation of new bone and increase the risk of fractures. Current guidelines recommend that women consume 700 mcg per day, with the upper limit being 3,000 mcg.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Journal of the American Medical Association 2002; 287:47-54, 102-103
