Vitamin A and Bone Fractures: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#case-control-studies #fractures-bone #hip-fractures #humans #prospective-studies

Vitamin A and Bone Fractures: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Knapik et al., 2021 | J Spec Oper Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Knapik Joseph J, Hoedebecke Sally S. Vitamin A and Bone Fractures: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Spec Oper Med. 2021;21(2):100-107. doi:10.55460/OGLF-K9ZU

Abstract

Vitamin A is a generic term for compounds that have biological activity similar to that of retinol and includes carotenoids like β-carotene and α-carotene. Some studies suggest high dietary intake of vitamin A can increase bone fracture risk. This investigation involved a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the association between vitamin A and fracture risk. Published literature was searched to find studies that (1) involved human participants, (2) had prospective cohort or case-control study designs, (3) contained original quantitative data on associations between dietary intake of vitamin A and fractures, and (4) provided either risk ratios (RRs), odds ratios (ORs), or hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) comparing various levels of vitamin A consumption to fracture risk. Thirteen studies met the review criteria. Meta-analyses indicated that risk of hip fracture was increased by high dietary intake of total vitamin A (RR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.07-1.57) or retinol (RR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.02-1.48). Hip fracture risk was reduced by high dietary intake of total carotene (RR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.42-0.93), β-carotene (RR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.58-0.89), or α-carotene (RR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.67-0.97). Total fracture risk was not associated with any vitamin A compound. High intake of total vitamin A or retinol increased hip fracture risk, while high intake of some carotenoids reduced hip fracture risk.

Key Findings

High intake of total vitamin A or retinol increased hip fracture risk, while high intake of some carotenoids reduced hip fracture risk.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Fractures, Bone
  • Hip Fractures
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitamin A
  • beta Carotene

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-a

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09