Vitamin B12, folic acid, and bone

Curr Osteoporos Rep. 2013 Sep;11(3):213-8. doi: 10.1007/s11914-013-0155-2.

Abstract

Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency are associated with a higher serum concentration of homocysteine. A high serum homocysteine is a risk factor for fractures. Both vitamins play a role in the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. The pathophysiology from a high serum homocysteine to fractures is not completely clear, but might involve bone mineral density, bone turnover, bone blood flow, DNA methylation, and/or physical function and fall risk. Genetic variation, especially polymorphisms of the gene encoding for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase may play a role in homocysteine metabolism and fracture risk. It is uncertain whether supplementation with vitamin B12 and folate can decrease fracture incidence. One double blind clinical trial in post-stroke patients showed that these B vitamins could decrease hip fracture incidence, but the results of further clinical trials should be awaited before a definite conclusion can be drawn.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Density
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Folic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Folic Acid / metabolism
  • Folic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Fractures, Bone / epidemiology
  • Fractures, Bone / metabolism
  • Fractures, Bone / prevention & control*
  • Homocysteine / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Prevalence
  • Vitamin B 12 / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin B 12 / metabolism
  • Vitamin B 12 / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Homocysteine
  • Folic Acid
  • Vitamin B 12