When you think about keeping your bones strong as you get older, calcium probably gets most of the attention. But another nutrient may deserve a place in that conversation. A large study of adults 50 and older found that vitamin B12 deficiency was associated with a higher risk of fractures, along with increased rates of osteoporosis and falls.
After matching more than 115,000 people with B12 deficiency to an equal number with normal B12 levels, researchers found fractures occurred in 7.2% of the deficient group compared with 6% of those with normal levels. The adjusted fracture hazard was 33% higher in people with B12 deficiency. B12 plays important roles in neurological function and homocysteine metabolism, so inadequate levels could potentially affect both bone quality and factors such as muscle weakness, balance and gait that influence your likelihood of falling.
That doesn't mean taking more B12 will prevent a broken bone. The study was observational and cannot prove that B12 deficiency caused the additional fractures, and researchers actually found weaker associations with both borderline and unusually high B12 levels as well. Still, the findings suggest B12 status may be another piece of the healthy-aging puzzle, particularly because maintaining strong bones, steady balance and mobility can help you stay active and independent as you age.
SOURCE:
NewsMedical, October 2, 2026