Vitamin K for Bones
Several studies find a significant relationship between low levels of vitamin K and osteocalcin, a protein associated with bone health.
Vitamin K is known primarily for its role in blood clotting. Participates in the hepatic synthesis of several proteins that control blood clotting are called clotting factors, including prothrombin. It is for this reason that the main criterion established to assess the appropriate levels of vitamin K is the maintenance of plasma prothrombin within normal parameters.
But the functions of vitamin K beyond blood clotting. Involved in bone metabolism as osteocalcin, a specific protein of bone matrix, requires vitamin K for their growth. The recommended daily amount of vitamin K is covered by the consumption of foods rich in it. Also achieved through the synthesis of intestinal bacteria that make the chemical.
Supplemental vitamin K and osteoporosis
Several studies show that there is a statistically significant relationship between low levels of vitamin K and osteocalcin, and various bone problems. It has even been reported that supplementation of vitamin K reduce the risk of fractures and maintain bone mineral density in case of osteoporosis. In this sense, the scientific journal Journal of bone and mineral metabolism ‘has recently published a Japanese study conducted by the Kobe Pharmaceutical University, whose objectives were to evaluate the association between plasma phylloquinone (vitamin K1) or menaquinone ( K2) and bone mineral density or fracture incidence in Japanese women.
The study involved 379 healthy women aged 30 to 88, with an average age of 63. It was noted that the incidence of vertebral fractures was significantly higher (14.4%) in women with lower plasma levels of vitamin K1 compared with 4.2% of females with higher levels of the vitamin. However, no differences in bone mineral density between the two groups. These results suggest that people with low levels of vitamin K1 have a higher risk of vertebral fractures independent of bone mineral density.
This research is consistent with other clinical studies that have shown that people with osteoporosis associated with low bone density, or had suffered a fracture, had concentrations of circulating vitamin K1 and K2 lower than healthy individuals. For this reason, it is considered that adequate intake of vitamin K protects the bone.
Scientists agree to further investigate the role of vitamin K in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, while in Japan, the MK-4 or Menatetrenone (a form of vitamin K2) has been used since 1995 as osteoporotic. A certain dose, it is associated with positive effects on bone mineral density and lower incidence of fractures.
credit to: Maite Zudaire