B Vitamin Important for Bone Mineral Density

by CP Staff

A recently published study evaluated the role of the amino acid L-homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid in bone mineral density. Bone mineral density is assessed in the diagnosis of osteoporosis and osteopenia (low bone mass). The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 34 million have low bone mass and are at risk of developing the disease.

In past studies, elevated levels of homocysteine were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, deficiencies in vitamin B6, vitamin B12 or folic acid can lead to elevated levels of homocysteine.

In this new study, 188 post-menopausal women in Morocco were evaluated for levels of total plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid and parathyroid hormone, which is important in bone metabolism. The women also completed a questionnaire to determine risk factors for osteoporosis development. The subjects were then evaluated for bone mineral density using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

The results showed that osteoporosis was more prevalent in women who were older and had lower height and weight, compared to women with normal bone mineral density or osteopenia. More importantly, the data indicated that homocysteine levels were significantly higher in the women with osteoporosis compared to the women without the disease. Increased levels of homocysteine were also associated with decreased bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and the hip, plus with decreased vitamin B12 levels. The main predictors of reduced bone mineral density at the hip were age, body mass index, plasma homocysteine and reduced vitamin B12 levels.

The researchers concluded, “Total homocysteine and vitamin B12 are independent risk factors for osteoporosis in Moroccan healthy postmenopausal women.”

Reference:

Ouzzif Z, Oumghar K, Sbai K, Mounach A, Derouiche EM, El Maghraoui A. Relation of plasma total homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 levels to bone mineral density in Moroccan healthy postmenopausal women. Rheumatol Int. 2010 Jul 31. Published Online Ahead of Print.