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Tan J, Zhu R, Li Y, Wang L, Liao S, Cheng L, Mao L, Jing D. Vitamin K2 in Managing Nocturnal Leg Cramps: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med 2024; 184:1443-1447. [PMID: 39466236 PMCID: PMC11581596 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.5726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/29/2024]
Abstract
Importance Currently, there are no treatments for nocturnal leg cramps (NLCs) that have been proven to be both safe and effective. Seeking safe and effective approaches for managing NLCs is of crucial importance. Objective To determine whether vitamin K2 is better than placebo in managing NLCs. Design, Setting, and Participants This multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted in China between September 2022 and December 2023. This study used a volunteer sample comprising community-dwelling individuals 65 years and older with 2 or more documented episodes of NLCs during 2 weeks of screening. Researchers performed a history and physical screening of candidates recruited from the community through advertisements, and eligible participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive vitamin K2 or a placebo for 8 weeks. Interventions Patients orally took capsules containing either vitamin K2 (menaquinone 7), 180 μg, or a similar-looking placebo every day for 8 weeks. The study products were custom manufactured to have identical packaging and for the capsules to have matching appearance and identical excipients that shared similar taste and weight. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the mean number of NLCs per week between the vitamin K2 and the placebo group. Secondary outcomes included the duration of muscle cramps measured in minutes and the severity of muscle cramps assessed using an analog scale ranging from 1 to 10. Results Among the 310 participants, 111 participants were excluded. Of the 199 enrolled individuals, 108 (54.3%) were female, and the mean (SD) age was 72.3 (5.5) years. A total of 103 patients (51.8%) were randomly assigned to receive vitamin K2 and 96 (48.2%) were assigned to placebo. The mean (SD) baseline weekly frequency of cramps was comparable in both the vitamin K2 group (2.60 [0.81]) and the placebo group (2.71 [0.80]). During the 8-week intervention, the vitamin K2 group experienced a reduction in the mean (SD) weekly frequency of cramps to 0.96 (1.41). Meanwhile, the placebo group maintained mean (SD) weekly frequency of cramps at 3.63 (2.20). The between-group difference was statistically significant (difference, -2.67; 95% CI, -2.86 to -2.49; P < .001). The vitamin K2 group had a more significant mean (SD) reduction in NLC severity (-2.55 [2.12] points) compared with the placebo group (-1.24 [1.16] points). The vitamin K2 group exhibited a more pronounced mean (SD) decrease in the duration of NLCs (-0.90 [0.88] minutes) than the placebo group (-0.32 [0.78] minutes). No adverse events related to vitamin K2 use were identified. Conclusions and Relevance This randomized clinical trial showed that vitamin K2 supplementation significantly reduced the frequency, intensity, and duration of NLCs in an older population with good safety. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05547750.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Tan
- The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Zhu
- The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Li
- School of Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Shigeng Liao
- School of Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Lin Cheng
- School of Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - LingXiu Mao
- School of Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Dan Jing
- School of Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
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Sadler RA, Shoveller AK, Shandilya UK, Charchoglyan A, Wagter-Lesperance L, Bridle BW, Mallard BA, Karrow NA. Beyond the Coagulation Cascade: Vitamin K and Its Multifaceted Impact on Human and Domesticated Animal Health. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:7001-7031. [PMID: 39057059 PMCID: PMC11276079 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Vitamin K (VK) is an essential micronutrient impacting many systems in the body. This lipid-soluble vitamin is found in various plant and animal products and is absorbed via the lymphatic system. This biomolecule's importance to human health includes but is not limited to its promotion of brain, cardiovascular, bone, and immune functions. These biological properties are also necessary for maintaining domesticated animal health. The synergistic impact of both VK and vitamin D (VD) maximizes these health benefits, specifically for the circulatory and skeletal systems. This manuscript reviews VK's properties, molecular structures, nutrikinetics, mechanisms of action, daily requirements, safety in supplemental form, biomarkers used for its detection, and impacts on various organs. The purpose of synthesizing this information is to evaluate the potential uses of VK for the treatment or prevention of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka A. Sadler
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (R.A.S.); (A.K.S.); (U.K.S.)
| | - Anna K. Shoveller
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (R.A.S.); (A.K.S.); (U.K.S.)
| | - Umesh K. Shandilya
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (R.A.S.); (A.K.S.); (U.K.S.)
| | - Armen Charchoglyan
- ImmunoCeutica Inc., Cambridge, ON N1T 1N6, Canada; (A.C.); (L.W.-L.); (B.W.B.); (B.A.M.)
- Advanced Analysis Centre, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Lauraine Wagter-Lesperance
- ImmunoCeutica Inc., Cambridge, ON N1T 1N6, Canada; (A.C.); (L.W.-L.); (B.W.B.); (B.A.M.)
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Byram W. Bridle
- ImmunoCeutica Inc., Cambridge, ON N1T 1N6, Canada; (A.C.); (L.W.-L.); (B.W.B.); (B.A.M.)
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Bonnie A. Mallard
- ImmunoCeutica Inc., Cambridge, ON N1T 1N6, Canada; (A.C.); (L.W.-L.); (B.W.B.); (B.A.M.)
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Niel A. Karrow
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (R.A.S.); (A.K.S.); (U.K.S.)
- ImmunoCeutica Inc., Cambridge, ON N1T 1N6, Canada; (A.C.); (L.W.-L.); (B.W.B.); (B.A.M.)
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Mong MA. Vitamin K and the Visual System-A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15081948. [PMID: 37111170 PMCID: PMC10143727 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin K occupies a unique and often obscured place among its fellow fat-soluble vitamins. Evidence is mounting, however, that vitamin K (VK) may play an important role in the visual system apart from the hepatic carboxylation of hemostatic-related proteins. However, to our knowledge, no review covering the topic has appeared in the medical literature. Recent studies have confirmed that matrix Gla protein (MGP), a vitamin K-dependent protein (VKDP), is essential for the regulation of intraocular pressure in mice. The PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) study, a randomized trial involving 5860 adults at risk for cardiovascular disease, demonstrated a 29% reduction in the risk of cataract surgery in participants with the highest tertile of dietary vitamin K1 (PK) intake compared with those with the lowest tertile. However, the specific requirements of the eye and visual system (EVS) for VK, and what might constitute an optimized VK status, is currently unknown and largely unexplored. It is, therefore, the intention of this narrative review to provide an introduction concerning VK and the visual system, review ocular VK biology, and provide some historical context for recent discoveries. Potential opportunities and gaps in current research efforts will be touched upon in the hope of raising awareness and encouraging continued VK-related investigations in this important and highly specialized sensory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Mong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Veteran Affairs North Texas Health Care Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75216, USA
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Yan Q, Zhang T, O'Connor C, Barlow JW, Walsh J, Scalabrino G, Xu F, Sheridan H. The biological responses of vitamin K2: A comprehensive review. Food Sci Nutr 2023; 11:1634-1656. [PMID: 37051359 PMCID: PMC10084986 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin K1 (VitK1) and Vitamin K2 (VitK2), two important naturally occurring micronutrients in the VitK family, found, respectively, in green leafy plants and algae (VitK1) and animal and fermented foods (VitK2). The present review explores the multiple biological functions of VitK2 from recently published in vitro and in vivo studies, including promotion of osteogenesis, prevention of calcification, relief of menopausal symptoms, enhancement of mitochondrial energy release, hepato- and neuro-protective effects, and possible use in treatment of coronavirus disease. The mechanisms of action associated with these biological effects are also explored. Overall, the findings presented here suggest that VitK, especially VitK2, is an important nutrient family for the normal functioning of human health. It acts on almost all major body systems and directly or indirectly participates in and regulates hundreds of physiological or pathological processes. However, as biological and clinical data are still inconsistent and conflicting, more in-depth investigations are warranted to elucidate its potential as a therapeutic strategy to prevent and treat a range of disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanxiang Yan
- Institute of Science and TechnologyShenyang Open UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Tao Zhang
- School of Food Science & Environmental HealthTechnological University DublinDublin 7Ireland
- NatPro Centre, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesTrinity College DublinDublin 2Ireland
| | - Christine O'Connor
- School of Food Science & Environmental HealthTechnological University DublinDublin 7Ireland
| | - James W. Barlow
- Department of ChemistryRCSI University of Medicine and Health SciencesDublin 2Ireland
| | - John Walsh
- NatPro Centre, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesTrinity College DublinDublin 2Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesTrinity College DublinDublin 2Ireland
| | - Gaia Scalabrino
- NatPro Centre, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesTrinity College DublinDublin 2Ireland
| | - Feng Xu
- The Centre of Vitamin K2 ResearchShenyang Pharmaceutical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Helen Sheridan
- NatPro Centre, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesTrinity College DublinDublin 2Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesTrinity College DublinDublin 2Ireland
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Cai H, Cao X, Qin D, Liu Y, Liu Y, Hua J, Peng S. Gut microbiota supports male reproduction via nutrition, immunity, and signaling. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:977574. [PMID: 36060736 PMCID: PMC9434149 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.977574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota (GM) is a major component of the gastrointestinal tract. Growing evidence suggests that it has various effects on many distal organs including the male reproductive system in mammals. GM and testis form the gut-testis axis involving the production of key molecules through microbial metabolism or de novo synthesis. These molecules have nutrition, immunity, and hormone-related functions and promote the male reproductive system via the circulatory system. GM helps maintain the integral structure of testes and regulates testicular immunity to protect the spermatogenic environment. Factors damaging GM negatively impact male reproductive function, however, the related mechanism is unknown. Also, the correlation between GM and testis remains to be yet investigated. This review discusses the complex influence of GM on the male reproductive system highlighting the impact on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Cai
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuanhong Cao
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dezhe Qin
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yundie Liu
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinlian Hua
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sha Peng
- Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
- *Correspondence: Sha Peng,
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Qu Z, Zhang L, Huang W, Zheng S. Vitamin K2 Enhances Fat Degradation to Improve the Survival of C. elegans. Front Nutr 2022; 9:858481. [PMID: 35495953 PMCID: PMC9051363 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.858481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The beneficial effects of vitamin K (VK) on various chronic age-related syndromes have generally been considered dependent on its antioxidant effects. However, due to the distinct bioavailability and biological activities of VKs, exactly which of these activities and by what mechanisms they might act still need to be elucidated. In this study, we found that VK2 can extend the lifespan of C. elegans and improve the resistance to pathogen infection, heat stress and H2O2-induced inner oxidative stress. Importantly, the roles of VK2 on aging and stress resistance were shown to be dependent on enhanced fat metabolism and not due to its antioxidant effects. Moreover, the genes related to fat metabolism that were up-regulated following VK2 treatment play key roles in improving survival. Obesity is a leading risk factor for developing T2DM, and taking VKs has been previously considered to improve the insulin sensitivity associated with obesity and T2DM risk. However, our results showed that VK2 can significantly influence the expression of genes related to fat metabolism, including those that regulate fatty acid elongation, desaturation, and synthesis of fatty acid-CoA. VK2 enhanced the fatty acid β-oxidation activity in peroxisome to degrade and digest fatty acid-CoA. Our study implies that VK2 can enhance fat degradation and digestion to improve survival, supporting the effectiveness of VK2-based medical treatments. VK2 is mainly produced by gut bacteria, suggesting that VK2 might facilitate communication between the gut microbiota and the host intestinal cells to influence fat metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Qu
- Medical School, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Medical School, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Medical School, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Shanqing Zheng
- Medical School, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Henan Provincial Engineering Centre for Tumor Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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Simultaneous Determination of Vitamins D3 (Calcitriol, Cholecalciferol) and K2 (Menaquinone-4 and Menaquinone-7) in Dietary Supplements by UHPLC. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26226982. [PMID: 34834074 PMCID: PMC8624398 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The content and composition of dietary supplements is of great interest due to their increasing consumption and variety of available brand offered in the market. Accurate determination of vitamins is important for the improvement of dietary supplement quality and nutrition assessments. In this regard, the simultaneous determination of vitamin D3 (calcitriol-CT and cholecalciferol-CHL) and K2 (menaquinone-4-MK-4 and menaquinone-7-MK-7) in dietary supplements was developed by using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC). The overall runtime per sample was above 35 min, with the retention times of 2.40, 6.59, 7.06, and 32.6 min for vitamin D3 (CT and CHL) and vitamin K2 (MK-4 and MK-7), respectively. The limits of detection and limits of quantification for the target nutritional compounds ranged between 0.04-0.05 µg/mL, respectively. The validation results indicated that the method had reasonable linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9990), good recovery (>82%), satisfactory intra-day precision (≤1.9%) and inter-day precision (≤3.5%), and high selectivity and specificity. The validated UHPLC method was demonstrated to be precise, accurate, and robust for the simultaneous determination of vitamins D3 (CT and CHL) and K2 (MK-4 and MK-7) in dietary supplements.
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Hu L, Ji J, Li D, Meng J, Yu B. The combined effect of vitamin K and calcium on bone mineral density in humans: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Orthop Surg Res 2021; 16:592. [PMID: 34649591 PMCID: PMC8515712 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-021-02728-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With the increasing incidence of osteoporosis, vitamin K and calcium have been linked to bone mineral density (BMD) and undercarboxylated osteocalcin (UcOC) in many studies, but the results of studies of the combined effect of vitamin K and calcium on BMD and UcOC in humans have been inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials to assess the effect of this combination treatment on BMD and UcOC in humans. Methods A search for articles was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library database up to March 2021 (no language restrictions). We also reviewed the reference lists of the relevant publications and reviews to locate additional publications. The standard mean difference (SMD) was used as the primary measure of effect size. Our main endpoints were lumbar BMD, femoral neck BMD, hip BMD, total femoral BMD, and UcOC from baseline to end point. We performed subgroup analysis, heterogeneity testing, and assessment of publication bias. Results A total of 1346 patients from 10 randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. The forest plot analysis revealed that vitamin K combined with calcium was associated with a higher lumbar spine BMD compared to controls. The SMD was 0.20 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.07 to 0.32]. Vitamin K and calcium supplementation led to a significant decrease in UcOC (SMD: − 1.71, 95% CI: − 2.45 to − 0.96). Subgroup analysis showed that vitamin K2 and vitamin K1 had SMDs of 0.30 (95% CI: 0.10 to 0.51) and SMDs of 0.14 (95% CI: − 0.02 to 0.29), and calcium dosages of ≤ 1000 mg/d or > 1000 mg/d had SMDs of 0.19 (95% CI: 0.05 to 0.32) and 0.26 (95% CI: − 0.04 to 0.55). Conclusion The combination of vitamin K and calcium has a positive effect on lumbar BMD and decreases the level of UcOC. Registration: The protocol for this meta-analysis was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42021251825).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyou Hu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Jindou Ji
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Dong Li
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Jing Meng
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jingshi Road 16369, Jinan, 250014, China.
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The Dual Role of Vitamin K2 in "Bone-Vascular Crosstalk": Opposite Effects on Bone Loss and Vascular Calcification. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13041222. [PMID: 33917175 PMCID: PMC8067793 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis (OP) and vascular calcification (VC) represent relevant health problems that frequently coexist in the elderly population. Traditionally, they have been considered independent processes, and mainly age-related. However, an increasing number of studies have reported their possible direct correlation, commonly defined as “bone-vascular crosstalk”. Vitamin K2 (VitK2), a family of several natural isoforms also known as menaquinones (MK), has recently received particular attention for its role in maintaining calcium homeostasis. In particular, VitK2 deficiency seems to be responsible of the so-called “calcium paradox” phenomenon, characterized by low calcium deposition in the bone and its accumulation in the vessel wall. Since these events may have important clinical consequences, and the role of VitK2 in bone-vascular crosstalk has only partially been explained, this review focuses on its effects on the bone and vascular system by providing a more recent literature update. Overall, the findings reported here propose the VitK2 family as natural bioactive molecules that could be able to play an important role in the prevention of bone loss and vascular calcification, thus encouraging further in-depth studies to achieve its use as a dietary food supplement.
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