Hip fracture risk increases with high intake of B6 and B12 vitamins

Older women who take high doses of vitamin B6 combined with high doses of B12 are at increased risk of hip fracture, according to Harvard and University of Oslo researchers.

Investigators analyzed 30 years of health data from 75,000 women who participated in the American Nurses Health Study. Those who received high doses of vitamin B6 and B12 in combination had a significantly increased risk of hip fracture, reported Haakon E. Meyer, Ph.D., and colleagues. 

“The intakes were far higher than the recommended dietary allowances,” explained Meyer. “These findings confirm previous studies suggesting that vitamin supplements should be used cautiously because adverse effects can occur,” he said.

The authors made a special note that taking vitamin B12 alone does not raise the odds of hip fracture.

The study was published in JAMA Network Open.