Vitamin A deficiency decreases bone mineral content in rats

The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of vitamin A deficiency on bone mineral density and bone mineral content. It has been well‐established that vitamin A activates osteoclasts within bone cells, so we hypothesized that Vitamin A deficient rats would have increased bone mineral density and bone mineral content. Weanling rats were fed a vitamin A sufficient (control) or vitamin A deficient diet (VAD) for nine weeks. From weeks ten through thirteen, the VAD group split into diet treatment groups of: VAD‐VAD, VAD‐control, VAD‐cod liver oil (which contains vitamin A and vitamin D), and VAD‐Retinoic acid supplemented diet. Average food intake was similar amongst the groups, while the control group had increased body weight compared to the VAD groups. Bone mineral density and bone mineral content were measured using Dual Energy X‐ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning at weeks one, eight, and thirteen. Bone mineral density did not change significantly between the groups. Bone mineral content was increased in the control group, while the VAD‐VAD and VAD‐control groups had significantly lower levels of bone mineral content. In conclusion, our data provide support that vitamin A provides a stabilizing effect in bone development, which could have applications in osteoporosis research.