title: Vitamin A: is it a risk factor for osteoporosis and bone fracture?
abstract: Results from observational studies of the association between vitamin A intake or serum concentration and bone mineral density or fracture are mixed. The inconsistencies may be due, in part, to difficulties in obtaining an accurate assessment of vitamin A intake or status. Serum retinol is a poor measure of vitamin A status because it is subject to homeostatic control. Stable-isotope-dilution methodology gives a validated assessment of the total-body and liver vitamin A stores and is recommended in future studies on vitamin A status and osteoporosis. The potential for exacerbating an already serious public health problem with intakes of vitamin A currently considered safe indicates further research into this matter is warranted.
authors.affiliation: J Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, 711 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA. judy.ribaya-mercado@tufts.edu
authors.forename: Judy D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Ribaya-Mercado
authors.forename: Jeffrey B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Blumberg
mesh_terms: D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D014815:Vitamins; D014801:Vitamin A