Excess vitamin A increases fracture risk

According to a new study long-term intake of a diet high in retinol or vitamin A may increase the risk of osteoporotic hip fracture. Any vitamin or mineral taken in adequately is good for health. Excess or less quantities of the nutrients is not good and ineffective. We tend to think that vitamins are good for us - but that's not always the case, particularly when one component is taken in excess. The latest report from the long-running Nurses' Health Study, which covers over 60,000 women followed for 15 years, suggests that retinol, an active ingredient of vitamin A, could be harmful.

Women with the highest retinol intake from their daily diet plus any vitamin supplements - were nearly 30 per cent more likely to have a hip fracture linked to osteoporosis, compared to those with the lowest intake. The added risk came from an intake greater than 3000 micrograms per day. This suggests that women who already eat a balanced, vitamin-rich diet should think twice before taking a supplement. Certainly they should check the ingredients carefully to ensure they are not taking in too much retinol.