Long-term intake of a diet high in retinol may increase the risk of osteoporotic hip fracture, according to a new study.

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 72,000 women followed for 18 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 50 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.

Source

Journal of the American Medical Association January 2 2002