Positive Health Online

Abstract

WHITING and LEMKE, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada reviewed (27 references) the association between excess of vitamin A intake, decreased bone mineral density and increased hip fracture risk in Scandinavian countries Sweden and Norway.

Background

An epidemiological study of postmenopausal women in Sweden revealed that chronic excess of vitamin A intake (>1.5 mg/day) was associated with decreased bone mineral density and increased risk of hip fracture risk. These data provide one explanation for the higher incidence of osteoporosis in Sweden and Norway compared with other countries in Europe.

Methodology

Results

Conclusion

Vitamin A in fortified milk might also explain the association of high calcium intake and hip fracture incidence in northern Europe, as milk is an important source of both vitamin A and calcium.

References

Whiting SJ and Lemke B. Excess retinol intake may explain the high incidence of osteoporosis in northern Europe. Nutrition Reviews 57(6): 192-5. Jun 1999.

Comment

It is important that this association be further researched, as milk is currently recommended (by conventional physicians) for preventing osteoporosis. Of course, nutritionally-oriented physicians have been saying for decades that the best way to prevent osteoporosis is through a diet rich in vegetables, seeds, proteins and grains rich in phytoestrogens, in combination with exercise.