Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Vitamin A and Its Relation with Bone Health

Among various vitamins which help in improving bone health, vitamin A is one. It is found to play a major role in vision, bone growth, reproduction, cell division and cell differentiation. Retinol and beta-carotene are the major sources of vitamin A which can be found in various kinds of food sources including plant and animal sources. Let us know how vitamin A affects bone health.

In desired amounts, vitamin A is considered to ensure bone growth. Severe deficiency of vitamin A in older adults can cause a loss of bone density. Its deficiency in pregnant women can affect fetal development and infancy. This may lead to bone abnormalities such as slow bone development. However, when taken in excess amounts, vitamin A is considered to show a negative effect on the health of bones. Too much vitamin A can result in bone loss and also an increase in the risk of hip fracture.

Apart from vitamin A, vitamin D plays an important role in assuring bone growth and hence, maintains bone health. However, when vitamin A is present in large amounts, it is considered to interfere with the vitamin D thereby, affecting the normal function of vitamin D. The balance of calcium and phosphorus which is maintained in the body by the vitamin D is affected with too much presence of vitamin A. Moreover, the retinol is found to prevent the vitamin D from aiding in the absorption of calcium by the body. With the disruption of activity of vitamin D, calcium leaches out from the bone and makes it more fragile. This is responsible for the high risk of bone fractures. Therefore, ensure that adequate amounts, not too much high or too much little amounts of vitamin A is included in your diet to ensure a perfect bone health.


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