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No dose-dependent increase in fracture risk after long-term exposure to high doses of retinol or beta-carotene

This intervention study found no increase in fracture risk among 2,322 adults who took a controlled, high-dose retinol supplement (25,000 IU retinyl...

Authors:
Ambrosini GL; Bremner AP; Reid A; Mackerras D; Alfonso H; Olsen NJ; Musk AW; De Klerk NH

Authors notes:
Osteoporosis International. 2013;24(4):1285-1293

Keywords:
Carotenes, Fracture, Osteoporosis, Retinol, Supplementation, Vitamin A

Abstract:
Uncertainty remains over whether or not high intakes of retinol or vitamin A consumed through food or supplements may increase fracture risk.

This intervention study found no increase in fracture risk among 2,322 adults who took a controlled, high-dose retinol supplement (25,000 IU retinyl palmitate/day) for as long as 16 years.

We examined fracture risk in a study administering high doses of retinol and beta-carotene (BC) between 1990 and 2007.

Supplementation periods ranged from 1 to 16 years. Of the 2,322 (664 females and 1,658 males) participants, 187 experienced 237 fractures.

No associations were observed between cumulative dose of retinol and risk for any fracture or osteoporotic fracture.

Among men, cumulative dose of BC was associated with a slightly reduced risk of any fracture and osteoporotic fracture.

This study observed no increases in fracture risk after long-term supplementation with high doses of retinol and/or beta-carotene.