Vitamin K Intake and Bone Mineral Density in Men and Women

Introduction and Methods

There has been increasing evidence indicating a correlation between Vitamin K and bone mineral density, suggesting that proper intake decreases age-related bone loss.  Phylloquinone (vitmain K1) is the dietary form of vitamin K and is generally contained within green vegetables and ceratin plant oils.  Assessment of dietary intakes for various vitamins and minerals including Vitamin K, calcium, and Vitamin D was administered via a questionnaire and included food intake as well as supplementation.  DEXA scans were used to assess bone mineral desnities within the hip and spine.  Other variables considered were BMI, age-related risk factors for bone loss, physical activity, smoking, alcohol and caffeine intake, and menopause.

Results and Discussion

BMD in women comparing phylloquinone intakes from 10-1000 microg/dL:

Femoral neck: P = 0.0004
Trochanter: P = 0.005
Spine: P = 0.001
P value is significant at 0.05

Among women BMD were shown to be different across quartiles of phylloquinone intakes ranging from 13 micrograms/dL to 983 micrograms/dL.  Within this group low levels of dietary vitamin K correlate with low BMD, however there was no difference shown among men.

Evidence in the curren study does show that higher levels of vitmain K associate with higher bone mineral densities in women.  There have been conflcting studies with variances in methods that contribute to insufficient findings.  The current research further suggests that higher levels of Vitamin K intake correlate with higher levels of calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, and an overall healthier diet.




The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/77/2/512?maxtoshow=&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=bone+health+AND+vitamin+K&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT