Vitamin K & Osteoporosis

There are three forms of vitamin K: K1 is the natural form found in plant food, K2 is made by bacteria in the gut; K3 is the synthetic form. K1 is know to improve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, as are some forms of K2. This study looked at another form of K2. . . .

244 postmenopausal women were given either 180mcg of K2 or a placebo for three years.

The women in the placebo group experienced the expected amount of age related loss in their bone mineral density. Compared to the placebo, the vitamin K had a positive effect on bone health. Vitamin K significantly reduced the loss of bone mineral density, improved the strength of the bone and decreased the risk of fracture.

Osteoporos Int 2013; DOI 10.1007/s00198-013-2325-6