15 March 2009
Increased intakes of carotenoids may lower the risk of hip fracture in older men and women, according to a 17-year study from the US.
The researchers measured the intakes of total and individual carotenoids, including beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein plus zeaxanthin. Intakes were assessed using a questionnaire (1). Over the course of 17 years of follow-up, the researchers documented 100 hip fractures. The highest average intake of all carotenoids was associated with a significantly lower risk of hip fracture and non-vertebral osteoporotic fracture. Of the individual carotenoids studied, lycopene was found to have the greatest protective effect.
These results suggest a protective role of several carotenoids for bone health in older adults. Aging populations and the additional strain from obesity increase the numbers affected by osteoporosis. Already the lifetime risk for a woman to have an osteoporotic fracture is 30–40% and in men the risk is about 13%.
21 November 2019
Two recent articles that buttress each other hit Michael Roizen, M.D.’s reading stack this past month. These studies reinforce the notion that what is good for your brain, is also good for your heart. Read more about his analysis of these studies.
8 October 2013
A new US study suggests that producing genetically modified rice containing an increased amount of beta-carotene could be a good source of vitamin A for children in countries where deficiency in the vitamin is common.
11 January 2013
Researchers raise the alarm that iodine intakes in the US are decreasing, which has the potential to negatively impact the mother and unborn child.
