Vitamin K and Bone Health: A Review on the Effects of Vitamin K Deficiency and Supplementation and the Effect of Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants on Different Bone Parameters

Diversity of the diet is correlated with osteoporosis in post-menopausal women: an Iranian case-control study

Background

Proper nutrition is a crucial factor in preventing osteoporosis, a significant pathological cause linked to skeletal weakness; this study investigated the relationship between dietary diversity score and food group diversity score with osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Methods

This case-control study was conducted on 378 menopausal women aged 45-85 in Tehran, Iran. The age-matching method to control the confounding effect of age was used. The method of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used for assessing the bone mineral density of lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck. The bone mass status was evaluated with WHO criteria. All subjects were divided into the osteoporosis group and the non-osteoporosis group according to their T-score. A convenience sampling method was utilized to select the participants, which included two groups: case (n = 189) and control (n = 189). Data was collected using demographic and anthropometric information questionnaires, a valid 147 item food frequency questionnaire, and a physical activity questionnaire. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS-26, and p-values less than 0.05 were deemed to be statistically significant.

Results

The results indicated significant differences in weight, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use between the two groups. The mean ± standard deviation of dietary diversity score (DDS) was lower in participants with osteoporosis (case) (3.31 ± 1.26) than in control (4.64 ± 1.33) (p < 0.001). The mean ± standard deviation of diversity score of cereals, fruits, and vegetables in the osteoporosis group (respectively: 0.71 ± 0.21, 0.94 ± 0.76, and 0.45 ± 0.44) was less than the control group (respectively: 0.80 ± 0.21, 1.64 ± 0.55 and 0.87 ± 0.42) (p < 0.001). After adjusting the confounding variables, the risk of osteoporosis had an inverse relationship with the diversity score of vegetable (OR = 0.16; 95%CI: 0.07-0.35), bread and cereal (OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.05-0.87) and fruit (OR = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.22-0.56) (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, no discernible correlation was seen between the tertiles of DDS, dairy and meat diversity score, and osteoporosis.

Conclusion

We found a correlation between the diversity score of fruits, vegetables, and grains and osteoporosis. However, there is no significant correlation between the DDS triads and the diversity score of dairy products and meats with osteoporosis.

Vitamin A, D, E, and K as Matrix Metalloproteinase-2/9 Regulators That Affect Expression and Enzymatic Activity

Fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, D, E, and K) assume a pivotal role in maintaining human homeostasis by virtue of their enzymatic functions. The daily inclusion of these vitamins is imperative to the upkeep of various physiological processes including vision, bone health, immunity, and protection against oxidative stress. Current research highlights fat-soluble vitamins as potential therapeutics for human diseases, especially cancer. Fat-soluble vitamins exert their therapeutic effects through multiple pathways, including regulation of matrix metalloproteinases' (MMPs) expression and enzymatic activity. As MMPs have been reported to be involved in the pathology of various diseases, such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, regulating the expression and/or activity of MMPs could be considered as a potent therapeutic strategy. Here, we summarize the properties of fat-soluble vitamins and their potential as promising candidates capable of effectively modulating MMPs through multiple pathways to treat human diseases.

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and the Risk of Bone Fracture: A Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE)-Assessed Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis

Researchers have examined the link between consuming fruit and vegetables and the incidence of fractures for many years. Nevertheless, their findings have been unclear. Furthermore, the dose-dependent relationship has not been examined, and the level of certainty in the evidence was not evaluated. We carried out a dose-dependent meta-analysis examining the relation between fruit and vegetables intake and fracture incidence. PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Scopus were searched until April 2023 for cohort studies evaluating the relation between fruit and vegetables and fracture incidence. Summary relative risks (RRs) were computed from complied data by applying random effects analysis. To examine the level of evidence, we utilized the approach called the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE). Ten cohort studies comprising 511,716 individuals were entered. There was a nonsignificant relation between fruit and vegetables, as well as only fruit intake and any fracture risk. In contrast, high versus low analysis presented that vegetables consumption was linked to a 16% decrease in any type of fracture incidence (RR 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75 to 0.95; I 2 = 83.1%; n = 6). Also, per one serving/day (200 g/day) increments in vegetables consumption, there was a 14% decline in the fracture risk (RR 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77 to 0.97; I 2 = 84.7%; n = 5; GRADE = moderate). With moderate certainty, a greater consumption of only vegetables, but not total fruit and vegetables or only fruit, might reduce the risk of fracture. These associations were also evident in dose-response analysis. Large intervention trials are demanded to approve our findings. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Demystifying the Risk Factors and Preventive Measures for Osteoporosis

Background

Osteoporosis is a major health problem, globally. It is characterized by structural bone weakness leading to an increased risk of fragility fractures. These fractures commonly affect the spine, hip and wrist bones. Consequently, Osteoporosis related proximal femur and vertebral fractures represent a substantial, growing social and economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Indentification of the risk factors, clinical risk assessment, utilization of risk assessment tools and appropriate management that play a crucial role in reducing the burden of Osteoporosis by tackling modifiable risk factors.

Methods

This chapter explores various risk factors that are associated with Osteoporosis and provides an overview of various clinical and diagnostic risk assessment tools with a particular emphasis on evidence-based strategies for their prevention.

Conclusion

The role of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and perspectives such as newer diagnostic modalities, monitoring and surveillance approaches in prevention of risk factors in the pathogenesis of Osteoporosis is highlighted.

Bone Turnover Markers in Children: From Laboratory Challenges to Clinical Interpretation

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) have been developed many years ago to study, in combination with imaging techniques, bone remodeling in adults. In children and adolescents, bone metabolism differs from adults since it implies both growth and bone remodeling, suggesting an age- and gender-dependent BTM concentration. Therefore, specific studies have evaluated BTMs in not only physiological but also pathological conditions. However, in pediatrics, the use of BTMs in clinical practice is still limited due to these many children-related specificities. This review will discuss about physiological levels of BTMs as well as their modifications under pathological conditions in children and adolescents. A focus is also given on analytical and clinical challenges that restrain BTM usefulness in pediatrics.

Dysbiosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Let Us Talk About Vitamin K

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This narrative review aimed to summarize the current evidence on the connection between dysbiosis and vitamin K deficiency in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The presence of dysbiosis (perturbations in the composition of the microbiota) has been described in several non-communicable diseases, including chronic kidney disease, and it has been hypothesized that dysbiosis may cause vitamin K deficiency. Patients with CKD present both vitamin K deficiency and gut dysbiosis; however, the relationship between gut dysbiosis and vitamin K deficiency remains to be addressed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recently, few studies in animals have demonstrated that a dysbiotic environment is associated with low production of vitamin K by the gut microbiota. Vitamin K plays a vital role in blood coagulation as well as in the cardiovascular and bone systems. It serves as a cofactor for γ-glutamyl carboxylases and thus is essential for the post-translational modification and activation of vitamin K-dependent calcification regulators, such as osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein, Gla-rich protein, and proteins C and S. Additionally, vitamin K executes essential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. Dietary intake is the main source of vitamin K; however, it also can be produced by gut microbiota. This review discusses the effects of uremia on the imbalance in gut microbiota, vitamin K-producing bacteria, and vitamin K deficiency in CKD patients, leading to a better understanding and raising hypothesis for future clinical studies.

Vitamin K-Dependent Carboxylation of Osteocalcin in Bone-Ally or Adversary of Bone Mineral Status in Rats with Experimental Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) commonly occurs with vitamin K (VK) deficiency and impaired bone mineralization. However, there are no data explaining the metabolism of endogenous VK and its role in bone mineralization in CKD. In this study, we measured serum levels of phylloquinone (VK1), menaquinone 4 and 7 (MK4, MK7), and VK-dependent proteins: osteocalcin, undercarboxylated osteocalcin (Glu-OC), and undercarboxylated matrix Gla protein (ucMGP). The carboxylated osteocalcin (Gla-OC), Glu-OC, and the expression of genes involved in VK cycle were determined in bone. The obtained results were juxtaposed with the bone mineral status of rats with CKD. The obtained results suggest that the reduced VK1 level observed in CKD rats may be caused by the accelerated conversion of VK1 to the form of menaquinones. The bone tissue possesses all enzymes, enabling the conversion of VK1 to menaquinones and VK recycling. However, in the course of CKD with hyperparathyroidism, the intensified osteoblastogenesis causes the generation of immature osteoblasts with impaired mineralization. The particular clinical significance seems to have a finding that serum osteocalcin and Glu-OC, commonly used biomarkers of VK deficiency, could be inappropriate in CKD conditions, whereas Gla-OC synthesized in bone appears to have an adverse impact on bone mineral status in this model.

Effect of Vitamin K on Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Risk in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Summary: Recent studies have proposed that adequate intake of Vitamin K (VK) is associated with a low risk of fracture and high bone mineral density (BMD) to improve skeletal health in adults. This systematic review was designed to summarize the most relevant and updated evidence discussing the relationship between VK and bone. It explores the effect of VK deficiency and its supplementation on various bone parameters. Methods: The distinct databases such as PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, National Clinical Trials, Current Controlled Trials, and Clinical Trials were searched up to Jan 2020 to identify eligible trials. All relevant randomized controlled trial studies with any oral dosage form of VK supplement administered for at least six months and assessing BMD or fracture in adults were extracted. Finally, two independent reviewers identified 20 relevant citations for the systematic review and extracted data in tabular form. Results: The meta-analysis was performed with all studies, including postmenopausal and osteoporotic females, for both total clinical and vertebral fracture outcomes. The quantitative analysis showed that the odds ratios (OR) of any fracture were lower for VK as compared to control [OR 0.42 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.66)] for vertebral fractures and OR of 0.44 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.88) for clinical fracture. For the BMD, a meta-analysis of the pooled effect of interventional studies suggested a non-significant association between the use of VK and improvement in femoral BMD (CI 95%, p = 0.08 [−0.03–0.20]). Conclusion: VK decreases general fracture risk, and it can be an option to counter bone loss disorders. However, insufficient evidence is available regarding the significant impact of VK on femoral neck BMD. Therefore, further studies are required to establish the therapeutic value of VK as a treatment for osteoporosis.

Targeting Sirt1, AMPK, Nrf2, CK2, and Soluble Guanylate Cyclase with Nutraceuticals: A Practical Strategy for Preserving Bone Mass

There is a vast pre-clinical literature suggesting that certain nutraceuticals have the potential to aid the preservation of bone mass in the context of estrogen withdrawal, glucocorticoid treatment, chronic inflammation, or aging. In an effort to bring some logical clarity to these findings, the signaling pathways regulating osteoblast, osteocyte, and osteoclast induction, activity, and survival are briefly reviewed in the present study. The focus is placed on the following factors: the mechanisms that induce and activate the RUNX2 transcription factor, a key driver of osteoblast differentiation and function; the promotion of autophagy and prevention of apoptosis in osteoblasts/osteoclasts; and the induction and activation of NFATc1, which promotes the expression of many proteins required for osteoclast-mediated osteolysis. This analysis suggests that the activation of sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the Nrf2 transcription factor, and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) can be expected to aid the maintenance of bone mass, whereas the inhibition of the serine kinase CK2 should also be protective in this regard. Fortuitously, nutraceuticals are available to address each of these targets. Sirt1 activation can be promoted with ferulic acid, N1-methylnicotinamide, melatonin, nicotinamide riboside, glucosamine, and thymoquinone. Berberine, such as the drug metformin, is a clinically useful activator of AMPK. Many agents, including lipoic acid, melatonin, thymoquinone, astaxanthin, and crucifera-derived sulforaphane, can promote Nrf2 activity. Pharmacological doses of biotin can directly stimulate sGC. Additionally, certain flavonols, notably quercetin, can inhibit CK2 in high nanomolar concentrations that may be clinically relevant. Many, though not all, of these agents have shown favorable effects on bone density and structure in rodent models of bone loss. Complex nutraceutical regimens providing a selection of these nutraceuticals in clinically meaningful doses may have an important potential for preserving bone health. Concurrent supplementation with taurine, N-acetylcysteine, vitamins D and K2, and minerals, including magnesium, zinc, and manganese, plus a diet naturally high in potassium, may also be helpful in this regard.

The Biological Role of Vitamins in Athletes’ Muscle, Heart and Microbiota

Physical activity, combined with adequate nutrition, is considered a protective factor against cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and intestinal dysbiosis. Achieving optimal performance requires a significantly high energy expenditure, which must be correctly supplied to avoid the occurrence of diseases such as muscle injuries, oxidative stress, and heart pathologies, and a decrease in physical performance during competition. Moreover, in sports activities, the replenishment of water, vitamins, and minerals consumed during training is essential for safeguarding athletes’ health. In this scenario, vitamins play a pivotal role in numerous metabolic reactions and some muscle biochemical adaptation processes induced by sports activity. Vitamins are introduced to the diet because the human body is unable to produce these micronutrients. The aim of this review is to highlight the fundamental role of vitamin supplementation in physical activity. Above all, we focus on the roles of vitamins A, B6, D, E, and K in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders, muscle injuries, and regulation of the microbiome.

Biological Role of Vitamin K-With Particular Emphasis on Cardiovascular and Renal Aspects

Vitamin K (VK) plays many important functions in the body. The most important of them include the contribution in calcium homeostasis and anticoagulation. Vascular calcification (VC) is one of the most important mechanisms of renal pathology. The most potent inhibitor of this process-matrix Gla protein (MGP) is VK-dependent. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, both non-dialysed and hemodialysed, often have VK deficiency. Elevated uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (ucMGP) levels indirectly reflected VK deficiency and are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events in these patients. It has been suggested that VK intake may reduce the VC and related cardiovascular risk. Vitamin K intake has been suggested to reduce VC and the associated cardiovascular risk. The role and possibility of VK supplementation as well as the impact of anticoagulation therapy on VK deficiency in CKD patients is discussed.

The structure of nutrition of Russian students as a risk factor for the development of nutritional diseases

The paper analyzes the literature data on the peculiarities of nutrition of students studying in higher educational institutions of various regions of Russia, and the risks of developing food-related diseases. They are largely associated with the adaptation of students to study at a university, the lack of self-organization skills and a lack of  knowledge in matters of rational nutrition. The actual nutrition of  students, on the one hand, is characterized by a lack of macronutrients and micronutrients intake, on the other hand, by excessive consumption of substances that contribute to the development of obesity. The results of numerous studies show a general pattern of unbalanced nutrition of students in terms of the ratio of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, insufficient consumption of dietary fiber, full-fledged proteins, and  excessive intake of simple carbohydrates. Dietary fiber deficiency can  lead to changes in the composition of the microbiocenosis of the digestive tract, a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids, and consequently, the imbalance of fatty acid composition of the blood cell membrane. 20–40 % of Russian students show signs of severe hypovitaminosis, especially calciferol, which is caused not only by its deficiency in the diet, but also by physical, geographical, climatic and seasonal factors. The analysis of the content of the main minerals in students shows a sufficient content of calcium in the body, an excess of sodium and a lack of magnesium, potassium and  iron, which is due to both the composition of the food consumed and the peculiarities of the accumulation and excretion of these ions. An analysis of the actual nutrition of students shows the need for counseling young people, especially in the first years of study. The introduction of an educational program on optimal nutrition is possible through the practice of curatorial work during the adaptation of the first-year students to student’s life. 

Effects of Extracellular Osteoanabolic Agents on the Endogenous Response of Osteoblastic Cells

The complex multidimensional skeletal organization can adapt its structure in accordance with external contexts, demonstrating excellent self-renewal capacity. Thus, optimal extracellular environmental properties are critical for bone regeneration and inextricably linked to the mechanical and biological states of bone. It is interesting to note that the microstructure of bone depends not only on genetic determinants (which control the bone remodeling loop through autocrine and paracrine signals) but also, more importantly, on the continuous response of cells to external mechanical cues. In particular, bone cells sense mechanical signals such as shear, tensile, loading and vibration, and once activated, they react by regulating bone anabolism. Although several specific surrounding conditions needed for osteoblast cells to specifically augment bone formation have been empirically discovered, most of the underlying biomechanical cellular processes underneath remain largely unknown. Nevertheless, exogenous stimuli of endogenous osteogenesis can be applied to promote the mineral apposition rate, bone formation, bone mass and bone strength, as well as expediting fracture repair and bone regeneration. The following review summarizes the latest studies related to the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic cells, enhanced by mechanical forces or supplemental signaling factors (such as trace metals, nutraceuticals, vitamins and exosomes), providing a thorough overview of the exogenous osteogenic agents which can be exploited to modulate and influence the mechanically induced anabolism of bone. Furthermore, this review aims to discuss the emerging role of extracellular stimuli in skeletal metabolism as well as their potential roles and provide new perspectives for the treatment of bone disorders.

Vitamin K - sources, physiological role, kinetics, deficiency, detection, therapeutic use, and toxicity

Vitamin K is traditionally connected with blood coagulation, since it is needed for the posttranslational modification of 7 proteins involved in this cascade. However, it is also involved in the maturation of another 11 or 12 proteins that play different roles, encompassing in particular the modulation of the calcification of connective tissues. Since this process is physiologically needed in bones, but is pathological in arteries, a great deal of research has been devoted to finding a possible link between vitamin K and the prevention of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, the current knowledge does not allow us to make a decisive conclusion about such a link. One possible explanation for this is the diversity of the biological activity of vitamin K, which is not a single compound but a general term covering natural plant and animal forms of vitamin K (K₁ and K₂) as well as their synthetic congeners (K₃ and K₄). Vitamin K₁ (phylloquinone) is found in several vegetables. Menaquinones (MK₄–MK₁₃, a series of compounds known as vitamin K₂) are mostly of a bacterial origin and are introduced into the human diet mainly through fermented cheeses. Current knowledge about the kinetics of different forms of vitamin K, their detection, and their toxicity are discussed in this review.

Vitamin K alleviates bone calcium loss caused by Salmonella Enteritidis through carboxylation of osteocalcin

Background

The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of vitamin K (VK) supplementation on bone health of laying hens challenged by Salmonella Enteritidis.

Methods

A total of 80 32-week-old double negative salmonella-free brown-egg laying hens were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 20 replicates each (1 bird per replicate) according to a 2 × 2 factorial design with 2 dietary VK supplementation levels [0 mg/kg (VK0) vs 2 mg/kg VK (VK2) and 2 challenge treatments [Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) vs physiological saline solution (PS)]. During the last 3 days of week 43 of age, birds of both VK treatments were either orally challenged with 1.0 mL suspension of 10⁹ cfu/mL S. Enteritidis daily or received the same volume of PS.

Results

The laying rate, daily egg mass, tibia strength, CT, cOC and cOC/(cOC + ucOC) of VK2 treatment increased (P < 0.05) in contrast to VK0, however, the medullary area and ucOC of VK2 treatment decreased (P < 0.05) in contrast to VK0. Mortality, medullary area, serum Ca content of SE treatments increased (P < 0.05) in contrast to PS treatments. In both SE treatments, the decrease (P < 0.05) in birds’ tibia strength was associated with higher (P < 0.05) Ca levels in serum. There is an interaction (P < 0.05) between SE challenge and VK levels with regard to tibia strength and serum Ca levels. At week 42, serum CT was positively correlated with cOC (R = 0.99, P = 0.009); at week 44, tibia strength was positively correlated with BMD (R = 0.95, P = 0.045), but negatively correlated with medullary area (R = − 0.98, P = 0.018).

Conclusions

VK (2 mg/kg) supplementation to diets of laying hens can enhance bone strength under challenge situations with Salmonella Enteritidis. Medullary area has proven to be a sensitive biomarker for bone calcium loss caused by SE infection.

Risk factors for intraoperative greater trochanteric fractures in hemiarthroplasty for intracapsular femoral neck fractures

Purpose

Hemiarthroplasty is widely accepted as the treatment of choice in elderly patients with a displaced intracapsular femoral neck fracture. Intraoperative greater trochanteric fractures thwart this successful procedure, resulting in prolonged recovery, inferior outcome, and increased risk of revision surgery. Hence, this study analyzed factors potentially associated with an increased risk for intraoperative greater trochanteric fracture.

Methods

This retrospective study included 512 hemiarthroplasties in 496 patients with a geriatric intracapsular femoral neck fracture from July 2010 to March 2020. All patients received the same implant type of which 90.4% were cemented and 9.6% non-cemented. Intra- and postoperative radiographs and reports were reviewed and particularly screened for greater trochanteric fractures.

Results

Female patients accounted for 74% and mean age of the patients was 82.3 (± 8.7) years. 34 (6.6%) intraoperative greater trochanteric fractures were identified. In relation to patient-specific factors, only a shorter prothrombin time was found to be significantly associated with increased risk of intraoperative greater trochanteric fracture (median 96%, IQR 82–106% vs. median 86.5%, IQR 68.8–101.5%; p = 0.046). Other factors associated with greater trochanteric fracture were a shorter preoperative waiting time and changes in perioperative settings. Outcome of patients with greater trochanteric fracture was worse with significantly more surgical site infection requiring revision surgery (17.6% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Prolonged prothrombin time, a shorter preoperative waiting time, and implementing new procedural standards and surgeons may be associated with an increased risk of a greater trochanteric fracture. Addressing these risk factors may reduce early periprosthetic infection which is strongly related to greater trochanteric fractures.

Six months vitamin K treatment does not affect systemic arterial calcification or bone mineral density in diabetes mellitus 2

PURPOSE

Vitamin K-dependent proteins are involved in (patho)physiological calcification of the vasculature and the bones. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is associated with increased arterial calcification and increased fractures. This study investigates the effect of 6 months vitamin K2 supplementation on systemic arterial calcification and bone mineral density (BMD) in DM2 patients with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

In this pre-specified, post hoc analysis of a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, patients with DM2 and CVD were randomized to a daily, oral dose of 360 µg vitamin K2 or placebo for 6 months. CT scans were made at baseline and follow-up. Arterial calcification mass was quantified in several large arterial beds and a total arterial calcification mass score was calculated. BMD was assessed in all non-fractured thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.

RESULTS

68 participants were randomized, 35 to vitamin K2 (33 completed follow-up) and 33 to placebo (27 completed follow-up). The vitamin K group had higher arterial calcification mass at baseline [median (IQR): 1694 (812-3584) vs 1182 (235-2445)] for the total arterial calcification mass). Six months vitamin K supplementation did not reduce arterial calcification progression (β [95% CI]: - 0.02 [- 0.10; 0.06] for the total arterial calcification mass) or slow BMD decline (β [95% CI]: - 2.06 [- 11.26; 7.30] Hounsfield units for all vertebrae) when compared to placebo.

CONCLUSION

Six months vitamin K supplementation did not halt progression of arterial calcification or decline of BMD in patients with DM2 and CVD. Future clinical trials may want to pre-select patients with very low vitamin K status and longer follow-up time might be warranted. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02839044.

Influence of Vitamin K on Bone Mineral Density and Osteoporosis

Vitamin K (VK) has an established biological function in blood coagulation and hemostasis and maintains general health and bone wellbeing. VK supplements have been promoted to treat and prevent many diseases, particularly for decreasing fracture risk in osteoporosis, a chronic condition described by weak bone tissue, and a high fracture risk following minor trauma. It affects older people from different races and ethnicity, mainly postmenopausal women. Many kinds of research emphasize the role of VK in improving bone health and preventing osteoporotic bone fracture, but the findings are mostly inconclusive. In this literature review, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were used as the primary sources to select the relevant studies and review the association between VK and bone health and also, to explore the impact of VK supplementation in osteoporosis management. A majority of studies reported that VK has an essential role in promoting bone health. Although some studies revealed that VK might increase bone mineral density and reduce fracture risk in people with osteoporosis, VK supplements' potential benefits were not sufficiently supported. Thus, more clinical studies are needed to determine the positive effects of VK supplementation in osteoporosis prevention and treatment.