A study published in the June 2008 Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism concluded that older adults deficient in vitamins B6 and/or B12 were roughly 60% more likely to suffer a hip fracture. 1,002 adults were involved in the study. More on the results can be found at "Vitamin B deficiencies tied to higher risk of hip fracture. " Food & Fitness Advisor. 11.9 (Sept 2008). Early symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency include reduced sensation in the limbs, memory and balance disturbances.
Food sources needed to ensure adequate levels of B6 and/or B12 include animal products, not plants. Meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products will all contain the vitamin. However, many people who do eat animial-based products have been found to be deficient in Vitamin B12 due to the inability to absorb the vitamin because of a lack of stomach acids. As a person ages, stomach acidity naturally decreases (for additinal information read the newsletter).
As I ponder the information from the hip fracture, food sources, and stomach acidity, I am leaning towards a conclusion that the hip fractures were occuring because the the adults were not able to absorb the vitamin B12 and this lead to a reduction in balance, which then lead to a higher probability of falling and breaking a hip. Once you read the information, what is your own conclusion?
I liked your overall explanation of vitamin b12 and b6. One thing I found useful was the chart that tells yu how much of these vitamins a person needs on a daily basis.
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