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Bone Fractures, Lung Cancer, and Vitamin B12 Supplements?

The AHA! Team — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 06:21:08 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – What do randomized controlled trials of high-dose daily vitamin B12 supplementation show about its effects on cancer risk, death, and longevity? In 2019, “Association of High Intakes of Vitamins B6 and B12 from Food and Supplements with Risk of Hip Fracture Among Postmenopausal Women in the [Harvard] Nurses’ Health Study” was published. Note, though, that only the combined high intake of vitamins B6 (≥35 mg/day) and B12 (≥20 mcg/day) was associated with an increased hip fracture risk. We know that treatment with high doses of vitamin B6 may increase hip fracture risk on its own. After a decade or so, those who had been taking high-dose (40 mg) B6 supplements had about a 40 percent higher hip fracture risk, but not those taking B12, as you can see below and at 0:35 in my video Do Vitamin B12 Supplements Cause Bone Fractures and Lung Cancer?. That’s what the Harvard study found, too. High intake of vitamin B12 alone was not associated with increased risk. In fact, some observational studies suggest a slightly lower fracture risk at high B12 blood levels. What we care about most, though, are interventional studies, where people are randomized to B12 so we can see what happens, and when we look at those, we find there is no increased fracture risk among those given B12. In conclusion, based on randomized controlled trials, high doses of vitamin B12 have not been shown to be associated with the risk of fractures. Okay, but what about this? In 2017, a study found that men taking vitamin B12 supplements appeared to have increased lung cancer risk. Now, the researchers didn’t find any such association in women, and the increased risk was mostly among men who smoked. Could it be that B12 was feeding budding tumors? It’s hard enough imagining a vitamin being carcinogenic on its own, especially if it somehow only affects men and not also women. “Replication of these ﬁndings in additional prospective studies with careful measurement of B vitamin supplement use is warranted.” And, indeed, when you put together all the observational studies, there is no signiﬁcant correlation between lung cancer and levels of B12 in the blood, whether you’ve smoked or not. If anything, most studies seemed to trend towards higher B12 levels being protective, as you can see below and at 2:03 in my video. Then, in 2018, a new study found an association between overall lung cancer risk and higher circulating levels of B12, again appearing to be more of a concern with smokers, as seen here and at 2:16 in my video. Now, this was another observational study. Those with higher B12 levels were just observed to have higher cancer levels. Those of you who have been following my work know the drill: There are two potential issues that arise in observational studies that prevent us from ascribing cause-and-effect: confounding factors, also known as “lurker variables,” and reverse causation. What might be a lurker variable in this case? What might be a third factor associated with both higher B12 levels and cancer that may be the true cause? Well, who has higher levels of B12 circulating in their blood? Those who eat a lot of meat and dairy, which are, in fact, “the most important contributors to serum vitamin B-12,” that is, B12 in our blood. And those who eat more meat do tend to have more lung cancer: “Dose-response analysis showed that consumption of red meat for 120 g per day might increase the risk of lung cancer by 35%, and consumption of processed meat for 50 g per day might increase the risk of lung cancer by 20%.” So, we’re generally talking about 35 percent more risk for every quarter-pound burger eaten each day and about 20 percent increased risk for every breakfast sausage link. It’s no wonder those with higher B12 levels in their blood could have more lung cancer. The B12 could just be a marker for meat intake. And, if you remember, reverse causation is when X may not lead to Y, but, instead, Y may lead to X. So, instead of high B12 blood levels leading to cancer, maybe cancer leads to high blood levels of B12. And, indeed, nearly 75 percent of patients diagnosed with cancer exhibit elevated B12 levels. So, elevated B12 levels may simply be a marker for cancer. Besides taking extra B12, there are all sorts of reasons your levels can rise, such as liver problems, kidney problems, bone marrow problems, and cancer, as you can see below and at 3:50 in my video. So, high B12 levels may just be a marker of brewing, but not yet diagnosed, cancer. What about observational studies specifically linking B12 supplement use to lung cancer, though? Those could also be reverse causation: “The consequence of being at risk for cancer is that patients will engage in healthier behaviors, including taking multivitamins (reverse causality). The well-established causes, such as smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and previous cancers, are the real lung cancer risks.” So, we’re left with this “chicken or the egg causality dilemma,” which is why, ideally, we need randomized controlled trials to see if there’s any cause and effect. This became even more urgent with genetic evidence suggesting that those born with higher lifelong levels may be at increased risk. Thankfully, as you can see below and at 4:47 in my video, we do have randomized controlled trials—more than a dozen randomized controlled trials randomizing thousands of people up to 2,000 micrograms of B12 every single day for years, in fact. The findings? “Vitamin B supplementation does not have an effect on cancer incidence, death due to cancer, or total mortality.” And this includes specifically looking at lung cancer, as seen below and at 5:02 in my video. In fact, if anything, vitamin B supplements may actually lower the risk of the most dangerous form of skin cancer. If you missed my previous video, check out Do Vitamin B12 Supplements Cause Acne?. For my other B12 updates, see related posts below. All of these videos can be found in one digital download: Latest Vitamin B12 Recommendations. I’ve also explored vitamin B12’s role in stroke risk. See the related posts below. That series is available for digital download, too: Why Do Vegetarians Have Higher Stroke Risk?. Key Takeaways High intakes of vitamins B6 and B12 together are associated with an increased risk of hip fractures in postmenopausal women, but high B12 alone does not increase this risk. High doses of vitamin B12, based on randomized controlled trials, have not been shown to increase the risk of fractures, unlike high doses of vitamin B6. Some studies suggest that B12 supplementation may be linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in men, particularly smokers, though this association has not been consistently observed. Higher B12 levels in observational studies might be linked to higher meat consumption, which could be the true cause of increased cancer risk, rather than B12 itself. Elevated B12 levels may indicate underlying health issues like cancer, rather than being a direct cause of cancer, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between correlation and causation. To read the original article click here.

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Top Nutrients to Slash Your Risk of Bone Fracture

AHA Publisher — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 07:00:11 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – Bone loss is widely considered to be just another part of the aging process. In fact, many conventionally-trained physicians believe that it is perfectly “understandable” for a person to experience a higher risk of osteoporosis later in life. In addition, Western medicine is quite accepting of the fractures that result from these conditions. In fact, researchers estimate that 50% of U.S. women and 20% of men will have an osteoporotic fracture after 49 years of age. But, make no mistake about it, bone fractures due to osteoporosis can be avoided. FACT: Bone Loss is NOT a Natural Part of the Aging Process; Vital Nutrients Can Help You Maintain Strong Bones The truth is osteoporosis is not a normal part of aging. Having said that, bone loss can occur due to age, but that is typically due to vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Just keep in mind, by getting all of the vital nutrients you need each day, you can have healthy, strong bones as you age, even well into your “golden years.” For the basic facts, let’s start here: Many of the “bone-building nutrients” needed can be obtained by eating a well-rounded, organic diet loaded with organic dark (mineral rich) leaky vegetables and some fruit. The key here is to get your food from the best sources possible. And, yes, local farmers markets can be a great place to start. Of course, depending on your own health status – in many cases – nutritional supplements may be needed to correct any deficiencies that exist. THESE Critical Nutrients Can Help You Build Strong Bones and Prevent Bone Fractures, Studies Suggest Vitamin D3 and calcium As children, it is drilled into us, “drink your milk so you can have strong bones!” But, for the most part, we have to thank the milk industry for that marketing hype. The truth is: there are no “magic bullets” when it comes to keeping bones healthy and strong. It really comes down to a combination of nutrients like vitamin D3 – mainly generated from adequate sun exposure – and calcium from dark leafy greens like dandelion greens. In addition, there are several vitamins and minerals that the body needs in order to form strong bones. If you are concerned about your bone health, talk to an integrative physician or health coach (with experience in nutrition) about nutrients like boron, magnesium and zinc … that improve the absorption of vitamin D3. In terms of healthy food choices for vitamin D and calcium, raw milk, organic broccoli, kale, collard greens, sesame seeds, pasture-raised eggs, wild mushrooms and grass-fed beef liver can help. Don’t forget your vitamin K A study published in 2019 found that a deficiency in vitamin K and other nutrient deficiencies can lead to increased fracture rates. This is because vitamin K plays a significant role in strengthening bones (known as mineralization) and bone formation. There are two types of vitamin K, called K1 and K2. While deficiencies in both vitamins do seem to negatively affect bone loss, vitamin K2 is believed to be more integral to bone protection and strengthening. Good sources of vitamin K include, organic spinach, Brussels sprouts, wild-caught fish, cabbage, turnip greens, grass-fed liver. Are you getting enough vitamin B12 Many people are deficient in this essential vitamin and don’t even know it! A Tufts University study found a link between low vitamin B12 and osteoporosis in both women and men. B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is absorbed in the lining of the stomach. As people age, especially as they reach their 80s, they can experience changes in the stomach lining that inhibits their body’s ability to absorb the nutrient efficiently or effectively. Simply put, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that B12 is important to bone health and that a deficiency can increase the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Some of the best sources for B12 are: wild-caught trout, salmon, spirulina and, of course (if necessary), a high quality, B12 supplement. The value of vitamin C Vitamin C is tissue building and strengthens immunity, but it is also a key component of collagen formation in the body which is the foundation of bone mineralization. Several studies have found a link between greater bone density and higher levels of vitamin C in the body. Again, as a water-soluble vitamin, it gets absorbed in the intestines. Unfortunately, too many people are vitamin C deficient – which only increases the risk of health issues. For a good food source of vitamin C, try eating more organic bell pepper, blueberries, strawberries, cauliflower, broccoli, lemons, oranges and kale. Plus, as a general rule, a good quality vitamin C supplement can’t hurt, as well. Just check with your integrative physician before making any changes to your diet. Magnesium deserves our attention Magnesium benefits the body in many ways, from regulating blood pressure and blood sugar levels to making protein and increasing bone mineral density. It works very closely with calcium to improve bone health and strengthen bones. When taking magnesium, look for chelated forms of magnesium that are easier for the body to absorb. The body does not absorb magnesium oxide as easily as it does chelated forms of the mineral. It is also a good idea to divide magnesium, taking them two or three times during the day. Food sources include, organic nuts, brown rice, seeds, whole grains, legumes and dark leafy green vegetables. Boron – in small amounts – can be powerful Boron is another important nutrient when it comes to bone formation and growth. It is believed to increase bone building and decrease bone loss by aiding the body in more efficient calcium utilization. In fact, studies have shown that a deficiency in boron leads to decreased bone strength. Science is still exploring the link between bone strength and boron, but it is believed that increasing your boron intake can help improve your bone health. Food sources include, organic apples, nuts, avocados, broccoli, legumes, tomatoes, bananas and prune juice. Bottom line: Focusing on better bone health now can help prevent falls and fractures later. It doesn’t matter if you are 18 or 80; making adjustments to your diet and taking the right bone-building supplements will positively affect your body. And, remember, it’s never too late to build stronger bones. Sources for this article include: LifeExtension.com AmericanBoneHealth.org AmericanBoneHealth.org JamaNetwork.com ResearchGate.net TuftsJournal.Tufts.edu NIH.gov Academic.OUP.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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New Composite Material Could Soon Replace Metal Plates in Treating Difficult Fractures

AHA Publisher — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 07:00:26 +0000

KTH The Royal Institute of Technology via News-Medical – A new biocompatible polymer-based composite material could soon replace metal plates in treating difficult and unstable fractures. Developed at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, the newly-developed material is as strong as dental composites yet non-toxic. The material and a surgical method, which were published in Advanced Functional Materials, will be used in clinical studies in 2023 and 2024, with a focus on hand fractures. Michael Malkoch, professor of fibre and polymer technology at KTH, says that the material and method, AdhFix, will enable customized plating for fixation of fractures with a more comfortable, less complicated recovery. Collarbone and rib fractures in particular are ideally suited for the proposed treatment, since such injuries are not easy to stabilize. Metal plates cannot be easily customized in shape, and they tend to adhere to soft tissue, resulting in debilitating complications, says Malkoch. For example, researchers in the U.S. have found that nearly 64 percent of finger fractures treated with metal plates result in mobility complications. The alternative surgical method, AdhFix, combines screws with a build-up of the polymer/hydroxyapatite composite instead. The composite is shaped in situ before being rapidly cured on demand via high-energy visible-light-induced thiol-ene coupling chemistry. Evaluations on human cadaver hands with proximal phalanx fractures show that AdhFix withstands the forces from finger flexing exercises. In models of in vivo femur fractures in rats, the methodology supported bone healing without degradation, adverse effects or soft-tissue adhesions. “No fracture is the same as the other, this is one of the absolute advantages of the material. A surgeon can tailor the fixation plate according to the patient’s bone shape and the structure of the fracture. The hospital also does not have to store metal plates.” Michael Malkoch, Professor of fibre and polymer technology, KTH Malkoch says the material and method also may be applied to veterinary care as well. Animals with metal plates are known to avoid going outdoors in cool temperatures because the metal conducts the cold differently than the KTH researchers’ composite. The work was carried out with RISE in Gothenburg and hand surgeons working at Karolinska Institutet and Södersjukhuset. Daniel Hutchinson, researcher in polymer and fibre technology at KTH, led the study. To read the original article click here.

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Heat and Gut Microbiota Promote Stronger Bones

AHA Publisher — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 07:00:01 +0000

University of Geneva via News-Medical Net – Osteoporosis, a bone disease linked to ageing, is characterized by a loss of bone density, micro-architectural deterioration of the bones and an increased risk of fractures. With one third of postmenopausal women affected, it is a major public health problem. Through epidemiological analyses, laboratory experiments and state-of-the-art metagenomic and metabolomics tools, a research team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), in Switzerland, has observed that exposure to warmer ambient temperatures (34 °C) increases bone strength, while preventing the loss of bone density typical of osteoporosis. Moreover, this phenomenon, linked to a change in the composition of gut microbiota triggered by heat, could be replicated by transplanting the microbiota of mice living in a warm environment to mice suffering from osteoporosis. Indeed, after the transplant, their bones were stronger and denser. These results, to be discovered in Cell Metabolism, make it possible to imagine effective and innovative interventions for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Many biologists are familiar with Allen’s Rule, from 19th-century naturalist Joel Asaph Allen, according to which animals living in warm areas have a larger surface area in relation to their volume than animals living in colder environment. Indeed, a larger skin surface allows better evacuation of body heat. “In one experiment, we placed newborn mice at a temperature of 34 °C in order to minimise the heat shock associated with their birth. We found that they had longer and stronger bones, confirming that bone growth is affected by ambient temperature,” explains Mirko Trajkovski, Professor at the Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism and at the Diabetes Centre of the UNIGE Faculty of Medicine, who led the study. But what about adulthood? Consistent Epidemiological Data By placing several groups of adult mice in a warm environment, the scientists observed that while bone size remained unchanged, bone strength and density were largely improved. They then repeated their experiment with mice after an ovariectomy modelling post-menauposal osteoporosis. “The effect was very interesting. The simple fact of warming the living environment of our mice protected them from the bone loss typical of osteoporosis!” (Claire Chevalier, Study First Author and Researcher in Professor Trajkovski’s Laboratory) What about human beings? The research team analysed global epidemiological data on the incidence of osteoporosis in relation to the average temperature, latitude, calcium consumption and vitamin D levels. Interestingly, they found that the higher the temperature, the fewer hip fractures –one of the main consequences of osteoporosis– regardless of other factors. “We found a clear correlation between geographical latitude and hip fractures, meaning that in the northern countries the incidence is higher compared to the warmer south”, says Mirko Trajkovski. “Normalising the analysis of the known players such as vitamin D or calcium did not modify this correlation. However, when we excluded the temperature as the determinant, the correlation was lost. This is not to say that calcium or vitamin D do not play a role, either alone or in combination. However, the determining factor is heat -or lack thereof.” How the Microbiota Adapts Specialists in the microbiota, the Geneva scientists wanted to understand its role in these metabolic modifications. To this end, they transplanted the microbiota of mice living in a 34° environment to osteoporotic mice, whose bone quality was rapidly improved. “These findings may imply an extension to Allen’s rule, suggesting elongation-independent effects of the warmth, which predominantly favours bone density and strength during adulthood through microbiota alterations”, says Mirko Trajkovski. Thanks to the state-of-the-art metagenomic tools developed in their laboratory, the scientists then succeeded in understanding the role played by microbiota. When adapts to heat, it leads to a disruption in the synthesis and degradation of polyamines, molecules that are involved in ageing, and in particular in bone health. “With heat, the synthesis of polyamines increases, while their degradation is reduced. They thus affect the activity of osteoblasts (the cells that build bones) and reduce the number of osteoclasts (the cells that degrade bones). With age and menopause, the exquisite balance between the osteoclast and osteoblast activity is disrupted,” explains Claire Chevalier. “However, heat, by acting on the polyamines, which we found to be partly regulated by the microbiota, can maintain the balance between these two cell groups.” These data therefore indicate that exposure to warmth could be a prevention strategy against osteoporosis. Developing New Treatments The influence of microbiota on metabolism is being better understood. However, in order to be able to use this knowledge to develop therapeutic strategies, scientists must identify precisely the role of particular bacteria in particular diseases. In the context of their work on osteoporosis, Professor Trajkovski’s team has been able to identify certain important bacteria. “We still need to refine our analyses, but our relatively short-term goal would be to identify candidate bacteria, and develop several ‘bacterial cocktails’ to treat metabolic and bone disorders, such as osteoporosis, but also to improve insulin sensitivity, for example,” the authors conclude. To read the original article click here.

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