B vitamins, homocysteine and bone health

Nutrients. 2015 Mar 30;7(4):2176-92. doi: 10.3390/nu7042176.

Abstract

Nutrition is one of the most important modifiable factors involved in the development and maintenance of good bone health. Calcium and Vitamin D have confirmed and established roles in the maintenance of proper bone health. However, other nutritional factors could also be implicated. This review will explore the emerging evidence of the supporting role of certain B Vitamins as modifiable factors associated with bone health. Individuals with high levels of homocysteine (hcy) exhibit reduced bone mineral density (BMD), alteration in microarchitecture and increased bone fragility. The pathophysiology caused by high serum homocysteine is not completely clear regarding fractures, but it may involve factors, such as bone mineral density, bone turnover, bone blood flow and collagen cross-linking. It is uncertain whether supplementation with B Vitamins, such as folate, Vitamin B1, and Vitamin B6, could decrease hip fracture incidence, but the results of further clinical trials should be awaited before a conclusion is drawn.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Density / drug effects
  • Bone Remodeling / drug effects
  • Bone and Bones / drug effects*
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism
  • Calcium, Dietary / administration & dosage
  • Calcium, Dietary / blood
  • Folic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Folic Acid / blood
  • Hip Fractures / blood
  • Hip Fractures / epidemiology
  • Homocysteine / adverse effects
  • Homocysteine / blood*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Factors
  • Thiamine / administration & dosage
  • Thiamine / blood
  • Vitamin B 6 / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin B 6 / blood
  • Vitamin B Complex / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin B Complex / blood*
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin D / blood

Substances

  • Calcium, Dietary
  • Homocysteine
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin B 6
  • Folic Acid
  • Thiamine